Key Takeaways:
– Gérard Depardieu, a French actor, is facing trial over alleged sexual assaults on two women.
– Depardieu will refrain from attending the court hearing on the opening day of the trial due to health-related reasons, reports his lawyer.
– The allegations made against the actor involve him trapping these women between his legs and fondling their parts over their clothing.
– There are several supporters, including French President Emmanuel Macron, despite the looming allegations.
Health Complications Prevent Actor from Appearing in Court
Renowned French actor Gérard Depardieu, accused of sexual assaults on two women on a 2021 film set, won’t be appearing in a Paris criminal court due to health reasons. The actor’s lawyer confirmed this news. He is accused of committing the assaults with “violence, coercion, surprise or threat” on the set of the film “Les Volets verts” (“The Green Shutters”).
Medical reasons have been cited as the cause of his absence for the trial’s opening. Jérémie Assous, Depardieu’s lawyer, revealed to France Info radio that his client’s health hinders him from making an appearance. Depardieu’s condition affects him profoundly and his doctors advised against his appearing. Depardieu is eager to attend the court proceedings and express his perspective, thus his lawyer plans to ask the court to adjourn the trial.
Details of the Allegations
The victims, particularly a 53-year-old production designer, allege that Depardieu cornered and assaulted them. Recent reports say that Depardieu trapped the women between his legs and touched their buttocks, genitals, chest, and breasts over their clothes. The victims noted that they attempted to break free from the actor’s grip, as they were shocked by his behavior.
The designer stated that she was subject to obscene remarks by the actor. As she passed him one day, he physically restrained her, touching her waist, hips, and chest while speaking crudely. She was granted a seven-day leave after an examination by a psychiatrist, who found her visibly distressed.
The woman decided to take legal action after hearing reports on television claiming there were no issues during the film shooting. Similarly, the month prior, another woman from the film’s crew also filed a complaint against Depardieu.
Depardieu Under Previous Allegations
The acclaimed actor has also faced previous allegations. In 2018, 16 women accused Depardieu of sexual misconduct in a documentary by France 2. The documentary also captured him making obscene comments and gestures during a trip to North Korea in 2018.
Following these accusations, he was charged in 2021 with rape and sexual assault as the authorities reopened an investigation initiated in 2018, which was previously dropped. Despite these allegations, Depardieu stated in an open letter last year, “I have never, ever abused a woman.”
Depardieu’s Staunch Supporters
Notwithstanding the charges and accusations against him, several supporters have rallied around Depardieu, including the French President Emmanuel Macron. Last year, 56 French personalities, including performers, writers, and producers, published an essay defending the actor.
In this tense atmosphere, France’s film industry is grappling with sexual violence issues. In light of this, Judith Godrèche, an actor, recently called onto the industry to confront the truth about sexual violence.
Depardieu, a global ambassador for French films, has enjoyed international fame through his Hollywood roles. He has long been revered as a national icon, and his case continues to draw significant public attention. His legal team maintains that the actor is the victim of false accusations. The events of the trial will be awaited with bated breath as France grapples with its #MeToo movement.