The body of the French singer and actor, Yves Montand, has been exhumed in Paris to settle a long-running paternity suit.

Experts will examine genetic samples from the singer's teeth and bones to see whether they match those of a 22-year-old woman, Aurore Drossard, who claims to be his daughter.

Genetic testing

Before his death in 1991, Yves Montand admitted to an affair with her mother, but denied paternity and refused to undergo genetic testing.

If the results of the tests are positive Miss Drossard could inherit a portion of Yves Montand's estate.

During his life he was renowned for his affairs with beautiful women. A relationship with Marilyn Monroe was much talked about.

Montand starred in Claude Berri's film 'Jean de Florette'

The appeal court in Paris ruled last November that his body could be exhumed to retrieve genetic material for testing because his family still disputed a court ruling that Ms Drossard was his daughter.

Ms Drossard says she just wants public recognition of who her father is, but a share of the family inheritance is also at stake.

The case has also raised ethical issues in France about the DNA testing of the dead.

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