In brief
Gerard Depardieu has requested a delay to his sexual assault trial set to commence in Paris, referencing health issues. The case, a significant moment in France's #MeToo movement, involves accusations of inappropriate behavior toward two women during the filming of "Les Volets Verts." He denies all charges, but the trial has drawn considerable media attention.
Gerard Depardieu, the iconic French actor, has applied for a delay to his sexual assault trial that was slated to begin this Monday in Paris. His attorney, Jeremie Assous, has cited ongoing health complications affecting Depardieu’s ability to attend court, claiming that his client was "deeply affected" by illness and had received medical advice to refrain from appearing at the trial.This trial represents a watershed moment within the French #MeToo movement, as Depardieu is a prominent figure in French cinema facing serious allegations. He stands accused of making inappropriate sexual remarks and aggressively groping two women working on the set of the 2021 film "Les Volets Verts" (The Green Shutters). Prosecutors have emphasized that if convicted, he could face up to five years in prison. Depardieu, aged 75, has consistently denied these charges and publicly stated in a letter last year that he has never engaged in any abusive behavior towards women. Desiring to present his side of the story in court, Depardieu's lawyer expressed that the actor wishes to attend but has requested the trial be postponed due to health concerns.The women involved in the case, who have chosen to remain anonymous, allege that the actor not only made sexual comments but also subjected them to "violent grabs" and inappropriate touching. In his defense, Depardieu's legal team has labeled these claims as “false accusations,” asserting that one accuser is attempting to financially exploit the situation by demanding compensation.Since the initial allegations surfaced, which involve additional claims of sexual misconduct from over a dozen women, Depardieu's career has taken a severe downturn; he has not appeared in any films since 2022. Concerns loom over further legal ramifications as he faces a second trial next year regarding allegations that include rape against actress Charlotte Arnould at his residence in Paris, charges he similarly denies.Despite the troubling accusations, segments of the French artistic community have rallied to Depardieu's defense. A letter signed by over fifty notable actors, directors, and producers argues that the accusations represent an assault on artistic integrity itself. This sentiment was echoed in public comments from French President Emmanuel Macron, who referred to the allegations against Depardieu as a "manhunt," prompting backlash from domestic campaigners advocating for women's rights. Actress Léa Seydoux characterized Macron's statements as "crazy," claiming they foster a negative image of France. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to reconsider Depardieu's prestigious Legion d'Honneur award following revelations of his troubling behavior documented in a 2018 film.
