HELLO! August 12, 1995

AT THEIR HOME IN MARBELLA

SEAN CONNERY AND MICHELINE

REJECT THE ACCUSATIONS MADE BY HIS FIRST WIFE

Having concluded a round of promotional appearances for his latest production, First Knight, Sean Connery and his wife Micheline have sought refuge in their hideaway on the Costa del Sol for a few weeks of holiday.

In the peaceful comfort of his home, Sean decided to speak out about the allegations made by his first wife, Diane Cilento.

Sean, what can you say about the recent articles which have portrayed you in an extremely unfavourable light?

"I've had enough of reading all over about the horrors of my behaviour, all entirely made up! Enough is enough! Various biographies have been written about me which are nothing more than a string of lies. In fact, I took two of them to court. I won. Sure, I may not be perfect, but I am an honest and honourable man."

Why don't you write your memoirs and set the record straight?

"I've been offered four million dollars to do so. I refused. If I wrote them, I would have to spell out the whole truth and risk hurting a lot of people.  That’s not my intention.”

Going back to those rumours, your ex-wife has stated in an interview that she lived through ten years of brutality and being put down.  Are you a cruel man, a tyrant?

“She also said that I had tattooed ‘Diane forever’ on my arm.  In fact it’s ‘Scotland forever’ and I had it done ten years before meeting her!”

Answer Yes or No-did you give her a blow on the head?

"Upon my life I have never given anyone a blow on the head. I have neither kidnapped her nor kept her from writing as she has let it be known. Come on! We are in the 2Oth century!"

Micheline: "I have always tried to have a good relationship with her because of their son, Jason, whom I regard as my own. But this is going too far. Why so much hatred? How could anyone say that Sean doesn't have a heart? Beneath the gruffness, Sean is the most sensitive, emotional man I know. If he were as he has been described to be, I'd have left him a long time ago. I am not the least bit of a martyr!"

When you're angry, do you ever become violent, Sean?

"I'm against violence in all its forms. But I have been known to break a golf club when I've been playing badly. I'm a very sore loser!"

Has Sean ever laid a finger on you, Micheline?

"You must be joking! If he hit me, I'd kill him. He is very impatient. He sometimes has a fit over the teeniest thing. But that lasts 20 seconds, and its over. On the set, his wishes are orders, and when he comes home I quickly have to redress the balance."

Sean, you have the reputation for being stingy.

"I have been taken to the cleaners three times by so-called professional experts in whom I'd put my trust. I've learned to be careful. If I loved money as much as they say I do, I never would have stopped doing the Bond films. And as to my supposed stinginess, you'd better ask my wife, she's the one who takes care of the money and has power over everything."

M: In 1971, Sean gave his entire earnings from Diamonds are Forever- over a million dollars-to a charitable cause in Scotland. At the time, he didn't have more than $400,000 in the bank. Recently he sponsored a youth theatre in England. I hope a lot of women have a man in their lives who is as stingy as he!"

Modest as you may be, some people say you come across as a bit of a prima donna.

"I am not fickle. I am professional and precise. I expect the same from others."

M: "Sean is of a disarming simplicity. Actors are always criticised for being divas, but they are treated as such, so who's at fault?"

You describe yourself as a pessimist. Can one be one and still love life?

"The idea of happiness is very personal. Deep down, what is happiness? I have very simple tastes. A good meal, a beautiful sunset, can fill me with joy."

You have everything -wealth, fame...what's missing?

"Having success in my personal life has always been as important to me as succeeding in my professional one. Sure, some things have backfired, but I try not to dwell on them. Whenever I return to Scotland, I am moved by a lot of things. I am not attached to material goods or places, I am always ready to pick up my suitcases and take off again. I'd love to live on a boat, going from port to port. Unfortunately, as Micheline says, I get seasick!"

How's you health? A year ago some papers were saying you were halfway to your grave.

"I had a check-up recently and I'm fit as a fiddle. The radiation sessions I had for my vocal cords have been a complete success. It wasn't fun, but it's over now."

Micheline if there is something you could reproach your husband for, what would it be?

"When my son Stephane was five he saw me sitting on Sean's lap and he asked 'Is he your teddy bear?' Yes, he's a little bit of a grump and a moaner at times. He's very egocentric like all actors. Sean has the tendency sometimes to lose sense of his priorities and make a mountain out of a molehill. He's a slightly spoilt child, but I alone am responsible for that."

Sean, you're living proof that seduction has little to do with youth. At 65, you're a living sex symbol.

"That's a bit ridiculous, isn't it? But it's better to be a living sex symbol than a dead one!"

INTERVIEW: DANY JUCAUD