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Cape Town – Salma Hayek's husband, François-Henri Pinault, has announced a hefty pledge to go toward the Notre Dame Cathedral.
A fire broke out at the historic cathedral in Paris on Monday. The mammoth blaze destroyed the church's spire and has since spread to one of its landmark rectangular towers.
In a statement, French President Emmanuel Macron promised to rebuild the landmark and said he is seeking international help to restore it.
READ MORE: Massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
According to People magazine, the billionaire businessman – who married Hayek in Paris 2009 and who has a home near the cathedral – responded with a €100m (R1.6bn) donation.
In a statement obtained by French newspaper Le Figaro, Pinault, 56, said: "My father (François Pinault) and myself have decided to release a sum of €100 million from our Artemis funds (the family holding company) to participate in the effort that will be necessary for the complete reconstruction of Notre Dame."
Through Kering - a global luxury group - Pinault manages the development of a series of renowned businesses including Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Saint Laurent and Balenciaga.'
According to Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Pinault's family business, which is headed by his father, is worth an estimated $37.3 bn (R523.9bn).
Salma took to Instagram to pay tribute to the landmark, saying: "As many others I’m in deep shock and sadness to witness the beauty of Notre Dame turn into smoke. I love you Paris."
SEE THE POST HERE:
