In brief
Gerard Depardieu's sexual assault trial, set to begin in Paris, has been delayed as his lawyer cites the actor's health concerns. Accused of groping two women during film production, Depardieu faces serious allegations against the backdrop of the French #MeToo movement, stirring controversy and debate within the artistic community.
Gerard Depardieu has asked for a delay to the commencement of his sexual assault trial, which was originally scheduled to start in Paris on Monday. The prominent French actor's attorney attributed the request to the star's health issues. Depardieu stands accused of attacking two women during the production of the 2021 film Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters), marking one of the most significant cases associated with the #MeToo movement in France. Prosecutors allege that he made overtly sexual remarks to and aggressively "groped" two members of the film's production team, with a potential sentence of up to five years in prison if found guilty.At 75, Depardieu vehemently denies the accusations, asserting in a public letter last year that he has never "abused a woman." The trial proceedings were supposed to commence around 13:30 local time in a criminal court in Paris, but his lawyer, Jeremie Assous, stated that the actor was "deeply affected" by his illness and had been advised by medical professionals not to attend. Assous mentioned that Depardieu seeks the delay because he "wants to express himself" before the court.This trial represents a pivotal moment for France's #MeToo movement, as Depardieu is one of the most notable figures in French cinema facing sexual assault allegations. The two unnamed women have alleged that the actor made sexual comments towards them and "violently grabbed" and "groped" them during their interactions. Responding to these allegations, Depardieu's legal team claims the women are making "false accusations" and suggested that one is seeking to profit from her claims, requesting €30,000 in damages, according to reports by Le Monde.Since the allegations came to light, Depardieu has essentially retreated from the film industry, with no appearances in new films since 2022. In addition, he is scheduled to face a separate trial next year for allegedly raping actress Charlotte Arnould twice at his residence in Paris—charges he also denies. Over a dozen other women have accused him of sexual misconduct.In spite of the growing number of allegations against him, Depardieu has garnered support from certain segments of France’s artistic community. A letter signed by over 50 actors, directors, and producers characterized the accusations against him as "an attack on art itself." Notably, prominent figures including Charlotte Rampling, Carole Bouquet, Pierre Richard, as well as singers Carla Bruni and Jacques Dutronc, emphasized their refusal to remain silent regarding what they describe as a "lynching" of the actor.The controversy has also spilled into politics, with French President Emmanuel Macron facing backlash after labeling Depardieu “the pride of France” last year. His remarks, which included claims that the actor was enduring a "manhunt," were criticized by activists for undermining efforts to combat violence against women. Actress Léa Seydoux condemned Macron's statements as "crazy," indicating that they tarnished France's image. Meanwhile, Macron's then-culture minister, Rima Abdul-Malak, suggested reviewing the potential withdrawal of Depardieu's Legion d'Honneur after footage surfaced showing him making inappropriate comments in a 2018 documentary filmed in North Korea.
