French president Francois Hollande is threatening legal action over a magazine report saying he is having a secret affair with a French actress.

Mr Hollande, in a statement, said he "deeply deplores the attacks on respect for privacy, to which each citizen has a right".

It says he is weighing possible action, including via the courts. He did not address the alleged affair.

Rumours have long circulated that Mr Hollande might have a lover.

The magazine Closer published images today showing a bodyguard and a helmeted man it says is Mr Hollande visiting what Closer says is the actress' apartment.

Mr Hollande has never married.

He had four children with politician Segolene Royal, and has been living in recent years with journalist Valerie Trierweiler, considered France's first lady.

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