In brief
Gerard Depardieu, 75, has asked for a delay in his sexual assault trial in Paris, claiming health issues affect his ability to attend. The actor faces serious allegations of assaulting two women during the filming of "Les Volets Verts" in 2021, and his trial is poised to be a pivotal moment for the #MeToo movement in France.
Gerard Depardieu, the celebrated French actor, has filed a request for a postponement of his sexual assault trial due to ongoing health challenges. The trial was set to commence at 1:30 PM local time in Paris, where Depardieu faces charges related to incidents that reportedly occurred while filming the 2021 movie "Les Volets Verts" (The Green Shutters).The allegations consist of explicit sexual comments and aggressive groping directed at two women working on the film's production team. If found guilty, the 75-year-old actor potentially faces a five-year prison sentence. Depardieu has firmly denied the charges against him, previously asserting in an open letter that he has never engaged in the abuse of women.His lawyer, Jeremie Assous, stated that the actor has been significantly impacted by his health and has received medical advice against attending the trial. Assous conveyed that Depardieu wishes to participate in the proceedings and clarify his position before the court.This trial marks a significant chapter in France's #MeToo movement, considering Depardieu's stature as the most prominent figure in the French film industry facing such allegations. The women in question, who have chosen to remain anonymous, allege that the actor made inappropriate sexual remarks and subjected them to physical aggression.In response to the accusations, Depardieu's lawyer has labeled them as "false" and suggested that one of the women may be motivated by financial gain, referencing a request for €30,000 in compensation. Since the allegations emerged, Depardieu's public image has suffered dramatically; he has not appeared in any film since 2022 and faces another trial next year concerning separate rape allegations from actress Charlotte Arnould.Despite the growing list of accusations against him, Depardieu has received unwavering support from various figures in France's artistic scene. A letter signed by over 50 actors and directors dismissed the accusations as a misunderstanding, claiming they represent an assault on the integrity of art. Among those who defended him were notable names like Charlotte Rampling and Carla Bruni.This support contrasts sharply with reactions from political leaders; French President Emmanuel Macron sparked controversy last year by labeling Depardieu as "the pride of France" while condemning what he described as a "manhunt" against the actor. Many critics, including actress Léa Seydoux, have rebuked Macron's stance, arguing it detracts from the broader goal of protecting women against violence. Additionally, the issue has led Rima Abdul-Malak, the former culture minister, to consider the removal of Depardieu's Legion d'Honneur in light of his past inappropriate comments in a 2018 documentary.
