Simon Deutz


Simon Deutz was a German-born French courtier.

Early life

Simon Deutz was born in 1802 in Koblenz, Germany. He emigrated to Paris with his family in 1806. His father, Emmanuel Deutz, served as the Chief Rabbi of France from 1810 to 1842.

Career

Deutz was an Advisor to Marie-Caroline de Bourbon-Sicile, duchesse de Berry. When she tried to regain her claim to the throne after the July Revolution in 1832, Deutz denounced her to King Louis Philippe I.

Personal life

Deutz converted from Judaism to Roman Catholic in 1828, and he received the Christian name Charles Gonzaga. However, as early as 1832, he made requests to the Consistory of France to be able to convert back to judaism. Initially denied, he eventually converted back to judaism after Adolphe Crémieux interceded in his favour. Meanwhile, he got married in London and moved to the United States, and finally moved back to France.

Death and legacy

Deutz died in 1852. Professor Catherine Nicault of the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne has argued that Deutz's betrayal of Duchess Berry led to more antisemitism among the French aristocracy in the 19th century.