Bruni launches legal bid over nude snap

Carla Bruni has launched a legal action in a move to stop a clothing company from distributing bags which bear a naked photograph of her.

The French first lady claims that she owns the exclusive rights to the candid snap, which is allegedly being reproduced by retailer Pardon. The photograph was taken in 1993 at the height of the singer's modelling career.

According to reports, Bruni is seeking £112,000 in damages from the company, located on the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion, for printing her naked image on its bags.

Earlier this year, a nude photograph of Bruni fetched £46,000 at auction after being snapped up by a Chinese collector.