Trial of film icon Gérard Depardieu underway - The trial revolves around the legal allegations against celebrated actor Gérard Depardieu.
ARTICLE:
Gérard Depardieu's Sexual Misconduct Trial: A Fall from Grace
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Facing a string of sexual misconduct allegations, French actor Gérard Depardieu stood trial in October 2024, charged with assaulting two women during a film set in 2021. Depardieu, once a celebrated figure in France's film industry, vehemently denies the charges.
The trial, initially postponed due to Depardieu's health issues, saw him in court, shackled and frail. His legal team insisted that his diabetes and several bypass surgeries left him too weak to attend lengthier proceedings.
Assault Allegations on Set
Depardieu's career has taken a nosedive in public opinion, after the allegations surfaced that he had assaulted a decorator and a film assistant on the set of "Les Volets verts." Inappropriate comments and unwanted touching were reported by the victims.
According to investigative magazine "Mediapart," Depardieu made lewd remarks about being unable to perform without a fan, before groping the decorator. When she resisted, his security personnel removed him, to which he allegedly said, "We'll meet again, sweetheart."
The film assistant accused Depardieu of multiple instances of groping.
Multiple Allegations Against Depardieu
Over 20 women have come forward, accusing Depardieu of misconduct. Two charges of rape remain pending. Previous cases involving rape and harassment were dismissed as time-barred.
The ongoing trial, along with recent protests outside the courthouse, has sparked a heated debate in France. Demonstrators carried signs reading, "Believe survivors - Perpetrators, we see you," and "This isn't cinema, this is trauma."
Actress Charlotte Arnould, who was the first to accuse Depardieu of rape, was present at the trial. At 19, she alleged that Depardieu, who was 69 at the time, had raped her twice in his Paris apartment. The investigation into this case was initially suspended but has since been reopened.
Depardieu's Defense
Depardieu maintains his innocence, claiming he "never abused a woman"[1]. He asserts that the "young actress [Carla Bruni, in 2007] came to him willingly and voluntarily entered his bedroom."
Actress Fanny Ardant testified in support of Depardieu, describing him as a "genius" with a "big personality" but not a harasser[2].
- Keywords: Gerard Depardieu, Sexual Misconduct, Assault, France, Paris, Trial
Insights:- The younger accuser alleged that Depardieu groped her on multiple occasions, leaving her feeling shocked and scared[2].- Witnesses, like actress Fanny Ardant, have testified in support of Depardieu, describing him as a "genius" with a big personality but not a harasser[2].- If convicted, Depardieu faces up to five years in prison and a fine of approximately 75,000 euros ($81,000)[1][2].- The trial highlights wider discussions about social norms and tolerance towards inappropriate behavior in the film industry[3].
- Citing the European Parliament's Commission, it was requested in 2023 to propose a directive on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering Gerard Depardieu's health issues, which include diabetes.
- Despite his legal battle, Gerard Depardieu, the accused in a sexual misconduct trial, was accused of making lewd comments and groping a decorator on the set of "Les Volets verts" in 2021.
- Over the years, Gerard Depardieu, the actor under trial for alleged sexual misconduct in France, has been diabetes-stricken and has undergone several bypass surgeries, leaving his defense team to argue for fewer court appearances.
