French cinema icon Gérard Depardieu, renowned for his formidable acting talent and a myriad of roles in both French and international cinema, is set to appear before a criminal court in Paris this Monday. The veteran actor, now 75, finds himself mired in controversy, as he faces charges relating to the alleged sexual assaults of two women on the film set of “Les Volets Verts” (The Green Shutters) back in 2021. Depardieu has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that he has committed no wrongdoing.
According to the charges, Depardieu is accused of using coercion, violence, and threats to conduct the assaults. The court case comes at a time when France is in the midst of an intense societal reflection on issues of sexual violence, driven significantly by the global #MeToo movement’s influence, which has challenged longstanding practices and notions, particularly within the film industry.
The prosecutors handling the case have pointed out that both incidents occurred under similar circumstances, with reports indicating that Depardieu allegedly trapped the women between his legs, proceeding to grope their buttocks, genitals, chest, and breasts through their clothing. One of the assaults reportedly involved a 53-year-old production designer, who, according to her testimony, experienced not only intrusive physical contact from Depardieu but also lewd comments. As she recounted, the event left her visibly shocked, with witnesses corroborating her attempts to break free from the actor’s grip. The impact of the incident was significant enough to merit a week’s psychiatric leave.
Following her ordeal, an effort was made to arrange an apology from Depardieu. Yet, the designer reported that his reaction was one of anger and blame rather than remorse. Witnesses attest that his words fell far short of an apology. The ordeal haunted the designer, affecting both her personal and professional life for over a year. Anxiety and sleep disturbances plagued her before she finally decided to file a complaint, spurred by a media claim asserting an incident-free set.
Another woman, working as a director’s assistant on the same film, also reported misconduct by Depardieu. Prosecutors revealed that she accused him of repeatedly touching her buttocks.
. She recounted that Depardieu responded with insults upon her expressing disapproval. She too was granted psychiatric leave following the encounters.
Depardieu’s legal representation, led by Jérémie Assous, has signaled confidence in dispelling these allegations. According to a statement released over the weekend, forthcoming evidence and testimonies will demonstrate that Depardieu has been wrongly accused. The timing and outcome of the court’s ruling remain uncertain.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Depardieu enjoys substantial support from influential quarters, including French President Emmanuel Macron. An essay signed by 56 notable figures from the French cultural landscape was published in defense of Depardieu, suggesting that the scrutiny faced by the actor is tantamount to an attack on the cinema art form itself. This defense emerged shortly after France 2’s documentary showcased accusations of sexual misconduct against the actor by 16 women, depicting him making inappropriate comments and gestures during a trip to North Korea in 2018.
In 2021, Depardieu was previously charged with rape and sexual assault following a revived investigation stemming from actor Charlotte Arnould’s allegations dating back to 2018. In a public letter to Le Figaro, a leading newspaper, Depardieu vehemently denied ever abusing a woman, asserting his innocence.
The case echoes the broader movement within the French film industry to confront sexual violence. Earlier this year at the Cesar Awards, celebrated actor Judith Godrèche urged the industry to transparently address these pervasive issues, drawing from her own traumatic experiences as a young actress.
The societal discourse around sexual violence in France has been further amplified by a recent high-profile trial involving 50 men accused of assaulting a woman who was incapacitated. Her courageous insistence on a public trial garnered widespread support and spurred nationwide protests.
As the trial against Depardieu unfolds, feminist groups have planned demonstrations outside the courthouse, seeking accountability and justice. The stage is set for a pivotal moment in France’s ongoing struggle with gender-based violence and the powerful figures accused of perpetrating it.
