By Zuleyka Indarte
Salma Hayek will officially become a Knight of the Legion of Honor of France. The actress was inducted on January 1 by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
The award comes with controversy, however. Speculation is that the merit was a political move on behalf of Sarkozy in order to pull ahead in the presidential elections. Hayek’s husband, Fancois-Henri Pinault, who is the CEO of PPR, is rumored to be close friends with the French politician. The star’s father-in law has also been awarded the knighthood in the past.
The Legion of Honor was originally created by Napoleon Bonaparte to merit the military and civilian’s services in France. Other Hollywood stars that have been inducted under the grade of Chevalier include Marlene Dietrich, Jerry Lewis, and Clint Eastwood.
Hayek’s award does not come without ridicule. Comedian Kathy Griffin took to twitter to make a humorous statement regarding the event, writing, “Just heard Salma Hayek will get a knighthood from France. Not sure if it’s going 2 her left breast or right breast.”
There also appears to be some opposition from the country’s own patriots. Former French minister Henri Torre was nominated for the honor as well but refused to accept it because, as he stated in a recent interview, “too many people were nominated who do not deserve to be honored.”
Hayek’s actual knighting ceremony will take place later on in the year. According to sources, the event will be held at the Elysee Palace, where she will be joined by her husband and father-in law.
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