Claudine Longet dead: Singing superstar who shot boyfriend dead in the 70s dies

Iconic singer and actress Claudine Longet, who retired from public life after being convicted of negligent homicide in connection with the shooting death of her boyfriend, Olympic skier Spider Sabichm, has died at the age of 84. Her death was confirmed by her nephew, Bryan Longet, in a social media tribute on Thursday. He wrote: "You have been a true inspiration in my life and you will always be. Another star in the sky. Thank you for everything, my aunt." No cause of death has been revealed.

The French born star, appeared in shows such as Hogan's Heroes, and Alias Smith and Jones and in films such as The Party with Peter Sellers. She also had a huge recording career enjoying chart success in America. alongise this she was a regular performer on her husband Andy Williams hit show. The couple were married from 1961 until 1975 and had three children daughter Noelle and sons Christian and Bobby, who was named after their friend Robert F. Kennedy.

She became embroiled in career ending scandal when, on the night of March 21, 1976 she shot Spider in the abdomen with an imitation World War II .22-caliber German‐made pistol in their home. She was with him in the ambulance when he died en route to the Aspen hospital.

She insisted the shooting was an accident and told investigators she thought the safety was on. During her trial, a ballistics expert told the court the safety did not work.

Despite her protestations she was charged with felony reckless manslaughter and initially faced up to 10 years in prison. A four day trial took place in January 1977 during which she was acquitted of the felony charge and convicted of a misdemeanour charge of negligent homicide.

Her ex-husband Andy, by then a huge star, accompanied her to her trial. He reflected on it years later during an appearance on This Morning. "I did because I thought it was unfair. I thought she was innocent. I thought it was an accident," he said.

She was ultimately sentenced to 30 days in jail "at a time of her own choosing" and her glittering career was over. Outside the court she told reporters: "There is not really much to say. Only that I have too much respect for living things to do that. I’m not guilty."

The scandal ended her career and she retired from public life but she became an infamous pop culture figure. The Rolling Stones’ were forced to remove the song Claudine from their 1978 album Some Girls because of legal considerations, but later featured it on the 2011 reissue of the album.

In another twist one of her attorneys, Ron Austin, left his wife shortly after the trial concluded to be with Claudine. They married in 1985.

Her last known public engagement came in 2003 when she recorded a voice over interview for A&E channel’s Andy Williams Biography documentary. In it she reflected on working with her ex-husband recalling: "To this day people stop me in the street and say how much they loved the Christmas show."