Mr Sarkozy had said "Casse-toi, pauv'con" earlier in 2008 in response to a farmer who had refused to shake his hand at an agricultural show.

BBC: Nicolas Sarkozy - file pic

Diller was interviewed on Monday at the Milken Institute Global Conference by Daniel Casse, president of G100, a private forum of more than 100 CEOs.

FORBES: Barry Diller Uncensored: Media Billionaire On Newsweek Mistake, Aereo's Enemies, John Malone And More