French actor Gérard Depardieu’s trial begins on sexual assault charges

The trial of French actor Gérard Depardieu begins today in Paris for the alleged sexual assaults of two women in a film shot in 2021.

Depardieu, 75, who has previously denied wrongdoing, is accused of using “violence, coercion, surprise or threat” in the alleged assault, which prosecutors say took place on the set of Les Volets Verts (The green shutters).

It has been announced that Depardieu will not appear in criminal court for health reasons.

Prosecutors say that in both cases, the victims reported that the actor trapped them between his legs and touched their buttocks, genitals, chest and breasts over their clothing.

One of the victims has been identified as a 53-year-old production designer. Three people witnessed the attack, prosecutors said, confirming that the woman tried to free herself from Depardieu and appeared “shocked.”

After the incident, Depardieu was arranged to apologize. But in a television interview broadcast on Saturday, she said the actor was furious and blamed her for causing problems. Prosecutors said witnesses confirmed that what Depardieu had said did not constitute an apology.

Jérémie Assous, Depardieu’s lawyer, told the AP that “the witnesses and evidence that (Depardieu) will present will show that he is the target of false accusations.”

It is unclear when the court will rule. If convicted, he could receive a prison sentence of up to five years.

The trial comes as France continues Consider sexual violence in the wake of the #MeToo movement which struggled to find traction, especially in the film industry.

Despite the accusations against Depardieu, many have come out in supportincluding French President Emmanuel Macron.

Macron described the actor as “the pride of France”, a comment that provoked an angry response from activists who claimed it was undermining efforts to protect women from violence.

Late last year, 56 French artists, writers and producers published an essay defending the film star, saying that when “Gérard Depardieu is attacked in this way, it is the art (of cinema) that is being attacked.”

His call came just weeks after national broadcaster France 2 published a documentary outlining allegations of sexual misconduct by 16 women against Depardieu, and showing the actor making obscene comments and gestures during a trip to North Korea. in 2018.

He was charged in 2021 with rape and sexual assault after authorities revived a 2018 investigation that was initially abandoned, after accusations by actress Charlotte Arnould.

In an open letter published in the newspaper Le Figaro, Depardieu said last year: “I have never, ever abused a woman.”

Feminist groups have called for a protest outside the court ahead of Monday’s hearings.