This former James Bond Girl, ex-partner of Jean

Absolute icon of 1960s cinema, Ursula Andress has long fascinated audiences with both her beauty and her iconic roles. Introduced to the public eye in James Bond 007 against Dr. No alongside Sean Connery, she then became the very first “James Bond girl,” thanks in part to her legendary appearance in a white bikini. This image has become legendary, earning her a Golden Globe and the status of a global sex symbol.

Behind this brilliant trajectory, the life of the 90-year-old Swiss-American actress has taken an unexpected legal turn. In January, she filed a criminal complaint in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, against her former wealth manager, Éric Freymond. This individual, deceased in 2025 in Gstaad, is suspected of misappropriating and investing nearly 18 million Swiss francs, about 19 million euros, without her knowledge. According to the investigation, these funds were allegedly invested in real estate in Tuscany, as reported by Swiss publication 20 Minutes.

Ursula Andress’s assets have been seized, with authorities suggesting possible money laundering. Eleven real estate properties and fourteen plots near Florence, including vineyards and olive groves, have been identified, along with art pieces and other acquisitions funded by the suspected diverted funds.

Éric Freymond, a known figure in high society circles, was previously involved in a sensitive case with Nicolas Puech, heir of the luxury group Hermès. No suspects have been arrested yet, but all the seized assets are under judicial seizure.

The legal proceedings in Vaud are being led by prosecutor Philomène May, with an investigation opened on September 4, 2025, for breach of trust, falsification of documents, and money laundering. Recent reports confirm the seizure of over 13 million francs from the widow of the manager, despite her appeal being rejected by the cantonal court on February 23. This legal saga contrasts with the eternal image left by Ursula Andress, once a muse of cinema and partner of Jean-Paul Belmondo between 1966 and 1972, after meeting on the set of the film “Up to His Ears.”

The complicated relationship between Ursula Andress and Jean-Paul Belmondo also had its share of tensions, as revealed by Belmondo in a 2016 interview where he recounted a dramatic scene from their breakup.