(TDB) - A descendent of the Charles de Cazanove Champagne dynasty is preparing to take the owner of his family’s former Champagne house to court over its decision to hire an ex-porn star as its newest ambassador.

Count Loïc Chiroussot of Bigault de Cazanove has described the decision to hire Clara Morgane as “simply scandalous”. Next week he will take the brand’s owners to court in a bid to force them to remove his family name from a line of limited edition bottles bearing Morgane’s name.

Speaking to the French newspaper L’Union, Chiroussot said: “I am really shocked by this association. It’s simply scandalous! How can I associate the name of my illustrious family with that of Clara Morgane? It is inconceivable! If they knew, my ancestors would turn in their graves!”

The count added that he had “nothing against this lady” but wanted to defend his “heritage and patrimonial rights”, noting that his family was granted its title by King Louis IX.

Count Loïc Chiroussot de Bigault de Cazanove’s great-great grandfather – Charles Gabriel de Cazanove – founded the Charles de Cazanove Champagne brand in 1811.