French Actor Gérard Depardieu Faces Court for Alleged Sexual Assaults

Gérard Depardieu, the famous French actor, is scheduled to appear in a Paris court. He faces serious claims of sexual assault from two women. The alleged incidents happened on the set of his film Les Volets verts (The Green Shutters) in 2021.

The 75-year-old actor has denied any wrongdoing. He is accused of using force and threats to hurt the women. Prosecutors say that he trapped the victims between his legs and touched them inappropriately over their clothes.

One of the alleged victims is a 53-year-old production designer. She told investigators that Depardieu made sexual comments to her. One day, as she walked past him, he reportedly grabbed her and touched her waist, hips, and chest. Witnesses on the set confirmed that she tried to escape his grip and looked shocked by the incident.

Afterward, there was an attempt for Depardieu to apologize. However, during a recent TV interview, the woman said he became angry and blamed her for the trouble. She felt that his comments did not truly show regret.

In her interview with the online news site Mediapart, the production designer said the incident has greatly affected her life. For more than a year, she has struggled with anxiety, trouble sleeping, and losing weight.

Another woman working on the same film set also reported problems with Depardieu. A director’s assistant said he touched her buttocks several times, even after she told him to stop. Instead of apologizing, she said he insulted her.

Depardieu’s lawyer, Jérémie Assous, has said that the actor will show evidence and witnesses to prove that he is innocent. Assous insists that the actor is a victim of false claims. Despite these serious accusations, some people continue to support Depardieu. French President Emmanuel Macron is among those who have backed him.

Last year, a group of 56 French artists and producers wrote an essay in defense of the actor. They claimed that targeting Depardieu was an attack on movies themselves. This support comes after a documentary aired on national broadcaster France 2. The documentary included claims of sexual misconduct from 16 women against Depardieu. It also showed him making inappropriate remarks and gestures during a trip to North Korea in 2018.

In that footage, he was seen making sexual comments in front of women, including a young girl riding a horse. He was also filmed saying he was "touching the bottom" of an interpreter next to him.

In 2021, Depardieu was charged with rape and sexual assault after a 2018 investigation was reopened. This investigation started due to claims made by actress Charlotte Arnould. In a letter published in the newspaper Le Figaro, Depardieu said, "I have never, ever abused a woman."

Gérard Depardieu was once seen as a national icon in France. He is known for being a global ambassador for French film and has gained international fame with his Hollywood roles. Now, he faces a tough fight in court as he deals with these serious claims. The trial is part of a larger discussion in France about sexual violence, especially in the film industry.