In the run-up to his 75th birthday, yet another woman has leveled sexual assault accusations against renowned French actor Gérard Depardieu. This time, Hélène Darras claims Depardieu sexually harassed her during the filming of "Disco" in 2007, as confirmed by the public prosecutor's office in Paris. The office is investigating if the case is still within the statue of limitations or if further investigations are required.
Depardieu, who is already confronting double rape allegations from another actress, denies all accusations. His lawyer initially remained silent on the latest charges. Darras attributed her delay in pressing charges to the emotional toll of sharing such details with law enforcement, admitting it took her a full year to come forward.
The actress alleges that Depardieu groped her during the filming. Her account echoes the well-known problematic behavior attributed to Depardieu within the French cinema industry, as per Marc Missionnier, head of the producers' union. In an interview with France 2, Missionnier planned to disclose a documentary focusing on the accusations against Depardieu, which was slated for release on December 22.
Depardieu first addressed the rape allegations publicly in October, denying any wrongdoing. Charlotte Arnould, the actress accusing him of raping her twice in 2018, maintained that she willingly consented to their encounters. Since Arnould's initial complaint, over a dozen other women have stepped forward, accusing Depardieu of sexual violence in various media. Depardieu has since kept a low profile, canceling his intentions to voice a character in director Michel Hazanavicius' upcoming film.
Referenced sources and additional information:
- Since Depardieu's trial for the allegations on the set of "The Green Shutters" was postponed due to health reasons until March 2025, the actor is facing multiple ongoing investigations and trials. These include charges of alleged rape and sexual assault against actress Charlotte Arnould, which was reopened in 2020. Depardieu's age and diabetic condition contributed to his request for postponement.
- Thirteen women have publicly accused Depardieu of sexual assault and harassment between 2004 and 2022. The most recent allegation comes from Ruth Baza, who filed a complaint in December 2023, alleging an incident that occurred in 1995.
- In response to the multiple allegations, Depardieu has largely stayed out of the public eye since the initial wave of accusations in 2018. His plans to voice a character in director Michel Hazanavicius' upcoming film have been canceled due to the current context.
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- After the initial complaint, more than a dozen women came forward publicly and privately reporting sexual assault and harassment incidents involving Depardieu. These allegations stem from various sources, including media outlets and industry colleagues. The accusers have recounted instances of unwanted sexual advances, groping, and inappropriate behavior.
- Following the widespread accusations, Depardieu's career suffered significant setbacks. He withdrew from various film projects and public appearances, and many of his associates distanced themselves from the actor.
- The French entertainment industry had already been under scrutiny for its handling of sexual misconduct allegations, with the #MeToo movement gaining momentum worldwide. Depardieu's case was just one of several high-profile instances that brought attention to the issue in France.
- Some of Depardieu's supporters have criticized the accusers, questioning their motives and the veracity of their allegations. However, many in the industry and the general public view Depardieu as emblematic of a broader problem of sexual misconduct within the French entertainment industry.
- The authorities in France have made it clear that Depardieu will be held accountable for any proven misconduct, regardless of his influence and standing as a notable actor.
