Gerard Depardieu's Courtroom Drama: Standing Trial for Alleged Misconduct
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Actor Makes Court Appearance - A famous actor faces legal proceedings
Gérard Depardieu, the 76-year-old powerhouse actor, stormed into the Paris criminal court, dressed casually in a dark suit, only to meet the serious charges awaiting him. His nonchalant strut into the building, hands clutched onto his lawyer's shoulder, suggested little concern for the accusations against him.
The actor's trial, which was rescheduled last fall, kicks off today, March 24 and runs through the 25th. He is charged with misconduct towards two women during the filming of Jean Becker's movie "Les Volets verts" in 2021.
The trial started shortly after 1:30 PM, with over a day's worth of proceedings scheduled. The aged defendant, steadfast in his denial of the charges, has been conspicuously absent at the last hearing in October, citing his lawyer's claims of complications from a quadruple bypass surgery and stress-induced diabetes.
Protesting Against the Actor
A fiery mob of protesters gathered outside the Paris court on the opening day of Depardieu's trial. Chanting slogans such as "Sexist violence, justice as accomplice," "Believe the victims, see the rapists," and "Touch one? We all answer!," they vocalized their disapproval of the actor. The crowd, predominantly women, echoed loud and clear before the trial commenced.
Depardieu's lawyer, Jérémie Assous, told FranceInfo that none of the actions in question can be classified as sexual misconduct and that his client has never admitted to such acts [1]. Acknowledging Depardieu's penchant for frankness, Assous admits that his client is "extremely free, extremely direct. He can be 'brutal' and says what he thinks."
Potential Five-Year Prison Sentence for Depardieu
Facing up to five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros, the seasoned actor, boasting a portfolio of over 200 films and TV series, has been accused by around 20 women of indecent behavior [1]. Although this is the first case to reach trial, additional testimonies from four more women claiming to be victims are expected to come forth [2].
Carine Durrieu Diebolt, who represents one of the two complainants, expressed frustration over the defense's strategy of postponing the trial through a series of nullity procedures and delaying tactics [1].
- Gérard Depardieu
- Women
- Court building
- Sexual misconduct
- Paris
- Justice
Additional Insights:
According to reports, two women, a 34-year-old set designer and a 54-year-old assistant producer, have accused Depardieu of sexual assault and harassment [1][2]. The incident, which allegedly occurred during the filming of "Les Volets Verts," was not immediately reported by the victims but came to light following Depardieu's publication of a letter in October 2023, claiming he had never abused a woman [1][2]. The trial, a significant event for France's #MeToo movement, tests the country's readiness to hold powerful figures accountable for sexual misconduct [2]. Despite prior allegations against Depardieu, many of these cannot be pursued under French law due to timing [1].
- In the Paris court building, Gerard Depardieu, the defendant, faced charges of sexual misconduct towards two women during the filming of "Les Volets verts" in 2021.
- The trial, held amidst protests from a crowd of disapproving protesters, could potentially result in a five-year prison sentence and a fine of 75,000 euros for Depardieu, if found guilty.
- Depardieu's lawyer, Jérémie Assous, has maintained that none of the actions in question can be classified as sexual misconduct, and that his client has never admitted to such acts.
