French actor Gérard Depardieu, who stands accused of sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021 and is awaiting trial, will not appear in a Paris criminal court on Monday due to health concerns, as revealed by his lawyer. Depardieu, who has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing, faces allegations of employing "violence, coercion, surprise, or threat" during the incidents, which reportedly occurred on the set of "Les Volets verts" ("The Green Shutters").
Jérémie Assous, the attorney for the actor, elaborated that medical professionals had urged against Depardieu's presence at the inaugural session of the trial on Monday, citing his precarious health status. While speaking to France Info radio, Assous emotionally conveyed that Depardieu is "profoundly impacted, and regrettably, his physicians have forbidden him from partaking in the proceedings." Nonetheless, Assous intends to file a motion for postponement of the trial, as his client "harbors a strong desire to be present and to vigorously defend himself."
Prosecutors allege that in both instances, the 75-year-old actor trapped his victims between his legs and fondled their buttocks, genitals, chest, and breasts over their clothing. This trial comes as France continues to grapple with sexual violence in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement, which has struggled to gain momentum, particularly within the cinema industry.
One of the victims, a 53-year-old production designer, has been identified. The Associated Press typically refrains from naming sexual assault victims without their consent. Her lawyer did not respond to an email regarding the matter. According to Paris prosecutors, the woman disclosed that Depardieu first made sexual remarks to her and, on one occasion, as she walked past him, he "grabbed her, pulled her towards him, blocked her with his legs, and groped her waist, hips, and chest, accompanying his actions with obscene comments." Three witnesses confirmed the incident, stating that the woman struggled to free herself from Depardieu's grip and appeared "shocked." A psychiatrist granted her a seven-day leave following the incident.
Following the alleged assault, Depardieu was arranged to apologize. However, in a TV interview aired on Saturday, the woman recounted that the actor was furious and accused her of causing trouble. Prosecutors stated that witnesses confirmed that Depardieu's words did not constitute an apology.
In an interview with French online news site Mediapart, the production designer, who spoke on camera but only shared her first name, revealed that the alleged assault had significantly impacted her personal and professional life for at least a year and a half. She struggled with insomnia, anxiety attacks, and weight loss. According to prosecutors, the woman delayed filing a complaint but decided to do so after hearing on television that no such incident had occurred during the shoot.
A month prior to the alleged assault, another woman working on the film set had also complained about Depardieu, as stated by Paris prosecutors. A director's assistant told investigators that Depardieu had touched her buttocks on multiple occasions. She expressed her disapproval, and in response, Depardieu was insulting towards her. A psychiatrist granted her a six-day leave.
In an email sent on Saturday, Assous, Depardieu's lawyer, informed the AP that "the witnesses and evidence (Depardieu) will present will demonstrate that he is the victim of false accusations." Despite the allegations against him, Depardieu has garnered support from various individuals, including French President Emmanuel Macron.
Last year, 56 French performers, writers, and producers published an essay defending the film star, asserting that targeting Gérard Depardieu is an attack on the art of cinema. This call came shortly after national broadcaster France 2 aired a documentary detailing accusations of sexual misconduct by 16 women against Depardieu, showcasing the actor making obscene remarks and gestures during a 2018 trip to North Korea.
In the footage, Depardieu can be seen making groaning sounds and sexual comments in front of women, including a girl about 10 years old who was horse riding. He can also be seen posing for a photo, stating that he was "touching the bottom" of a North Korean interpreter standing next to him.
Depardieu was charged with rape and sexual assault in 2021 after authorities revived a 2018 investigation that was initially dropped following allegations from actor Charlotte Arnould. In an open letter published in the conservative newspaper Le Figaro last year, Depardieu stated, "I have never, ever abused a woman."
Long regarded as a national icon in France, Depardieu has served as a global ambassador for French film and gained international fame through several roles in Hollywood. Earlier this year, actor Judith Godrèche called on France's film industry to "face the truth" regarding sexual violence and physical abuse during the
