In brief
Gerard Depardieu's sexual assault trial has been delayed at his request, as he grapples with health issues. The actor faces grave accusations from two women linked to his work on a film. The case is significant for France's #MeToo movement, but has sparked controversy among supporters and critics alike.
Gerard Depardieu has asked for a delay to the beginning of his sexual assault trial, which was set to open in Paris on Monday. His lawyer, Jeremie Assous, requested the postponement, citing health concerns, stating that the actor has been "deeply affected" by illness and advised not to attend court. Depardieu is accused of sexually assaulting two women while filming the 2021 movie Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters), becoming the highest profile figure in France's #MeToo movement.Prosecutors allege that the veteran actor made explicit sexual comments and then groped the women involved in the film's production. Should he be convicted, Depardieu may face five years behind bars. The 75-year-old has consistently denied the accusations, previously asserting in an open letter that he has never "abused a woman."The trial was set to commence at approximately 13:30 local time, but with the request for a delay, further developments await. Assous stressed his client's desire to attend and speak before the court, underscoring the importance of this trial within the broader context of the #MeToo landscape in France.Depardieu’s legal troubles do not end here; he faces another trial next year regarding accusations of raping actress Charlotte Arnould at his home, which he also denies. Furthermore, he has been accused by over a dozen other women of sexual misconduct. While many have distanced themselves from him, he still has defenders within the artistic community. A coalition of more than 50 notable figures in French cinema, including actors Charlotte Rampling and Carole Bouquet, expressed their support, labeling the accusations against Depardieu as an assault on artistic expression.Amidst the controversy, French President Emmanuel Macron has drawn criticism for referring to Depardieu as "the pride of France," while some insist that his comments undermine serious efforts to combat violence against women. The situation complicates the cultural conversation in France as the criminal proceedings loom.
