Gérard Depardieu Ordered to Stand Trial for Sexual Assault Allegations
Latest Escalation for Central Figure in France’s #MeToo Movement
French actor Gérard Depardieu, renowned for his prolific film career, has been ordered to stand trial for allegedly sexually assaulting two women during a film production three years ago. This development marks the latest legal escalation for the 75-year-old movie star, and it places him squarely in the center of France’s #MeToo movement.
Years-Long Battle of Allegations Aligned with the Accuser’s Death
The recent announcement comes on the heels of a protracted battle between Depardieu and over a dozen women who have accused him of sexual assault over a span of almost two decades on various movie sets. Numerous women, including actors, make-up artists, and production staff, have come forward alleging that Depardieu made inappropriate comments and engaged in groping behavior.
Depardieu Set to Face Trial in October
Paris prosecutors revealed that Gérard Depardieu will face trial in October. This announcement followed his release from a police station in Paris’s 14th district, where he had answered questions regarding the allegations against him. Legal experts have remarked on the similarities between these allegations and the early days of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, in terms of age, abuse of power, and multiple victims.
A Storied Career Marred by Allegations
Gérard Depardieu, a prominent figure in French cinema, has appeared in nearly 250 films and has achieved considerable success both in France and the United States. He starred in renowned productions such as “Green Card” (1990) alongside Andie MacDowell, the 2006 rom-com “Last Holiday” with Queen Latifah, and the critically acclaimed “Life of Pi.” In 1991, Depardieu received an Oscar nomination for his role in “Cyrano de Bergerac.”
A Troubling Defense as Depardieu Denies All Wrongdoing
Harking back to the Weinstein case, Depardieu has firmly denied all allegations and maintains that any sexual conduct was consensual. However, as multiple victims continue to claim assault, the consensual defense becomes increasingly challenging to uphold.
A Divisive Cultural Divide in Support and Condemnation
The release of the documentary “Depardieu: The Fall of an Ogre” triggered a backlash as it contained footage of Depardieu making inappropriate comments and jokes during a 2018 trip to North Korea. He also faced a sexual assault complaint relating to the filming of the 2007 movie “Disco,” although the complaint was later dismissed due to the expired statute of limitations. The subsequent reactions to the documentary were varied, with approximately 50 French media personalities penning an open letter in support of Depardieu, labeling the response against him as a “lynching.” However, a counter-letter signed by 600 French art and entertainment figures denounced the support, considering it an affront to victims of sexual assault.
Awaiting Trial with an Uncertain Future
Gérard Depardieu’s fate, similar to that of Harvey Weinstein, remains uncertain. The New York Court of Appeals recently overturned Weinstein’s landmark 2020 conviction, potentially paving the way for both figures to face legal proceedings in their respective countries. Depardieu has been instrumental in shaping French cinema, garnering immense adoration from the French public, including President Emmanuel Macron, who has defended the actor despite the accusations against him.
