The court orders the Stéphane Plaza franchise to compensate a real estate agency for damage to its reputation.

In its decision of December 17, the court noted that Mediapart's revelations of testimonies from former partners, followed by Stéphane Plaza's conviction in the first instance, caused a "loss of attractiveness" and a "loss of reputation" for the brand of the same name.

Real estate agent and TV presenter Stéphane Plaza was sentenced in February 2025 to a one-year suspended prison sentence for repeated domestic violence against a former partner. He has appealed.

"The person of Mr. Stéphane Plaza (...) constitutes a central element of the network's brand image," the court emphasizes.

The franchise agreement between Stéphane Plaza France (SPF) and franchised real estate agencies throughout France stipulates that the group guarantees "the existence of the brand," while the franchisee—who pays a royalty—has an obligation to "preserve and develop the reputation and awareness of the brand," while also committing to "respect the image and person of Stéphane Plaza."

This mention in the contract characterizing "a personification of the brand", the court ruled that it was up to the franchisor to compensate for the losses related to this scandal, such as the drop in turnover after customers turned away from Stéphane Plaza Immobilier stores.

SPF is ordered to pay a total of more than 117.000 euros to compensate for the economic loss of the real estate agency, the loss of opportunity to resell the business and the franchise fees paid since January 2024, a few months after the first revelations.

Stéphane Plaza France "firmly contests this decision," which it considers "unfounded and legally astonishing," according to a statement sent to AFP. The group's lawyer, Jean-Baptiste Gouache, indicated that the group has filed an appeal.

For Charlotte Bellet, the lawyer representing the managers of the real estate agency, this is the first ruling concerning Stéphane Plaza Immobilier franchisees. Her firm is handling twelve other cases brought by SPF franchisees.

This decision could pave the way for the reimbursement of royalties paid by other franchised agencies. Dozens had initiated steps to leave the brand following the accusations against Stéphane Plaza and their repercussions.

Real estate agent Stéphane Plaza became a star when M6 propelled him in 2006 to the head of the show "Recherche appartement ou maison", followed by "Maison à vendre" (2007) or "Chasseurs d'appart'" (2015).

The channel cancelled its broadcasts after his criminal conviction in February.