France: Depardieu fights against process for rape allegation

Gérard Depardieu wants to appeal against the transfer to the Paris Criminal Court for allegations of rape. His lawyer Jérémie Assous told the radio station “France Info” that there are no correct elements in the investigation. He announced that he would appeal to the decision to put the 76-year-old actor (“Cyrano of Bergerac”, “Asterix and Obelix”) in court because of the alleged sexual abuse by actress Charlotte Arnoild.

Depardieu is accused of having sexually abused Arnoild against her will through penetration with your fingers. An investigative judge has ordered the actor to have the dock in front of the Parisian Criminal Court. Depardieu threatens up to 20 years in prison in the event of a conviction. The incidents are said to have occurred in Paris in the actor’s apartment on August 7 and 13, 2018.

Depardieu rejects allegations

Depardieu rejects the allegations and speaks of an amicable relationship. His lawyer referred to surveillance recordings, which according to his representation should show how the applicant laughs in the actor’s city villa, makes a coffee and hugs him for several seconds.

“It is Charlotte Arnoild who shows Gérard Depardieu the way to the room and staircase and is the first to go up alone,” said Assous. “When you look at the videos, it looks anything but scared.”

The lawyer also questioned the credibility of the 29 -year -old today and referred to previous accusations that she had raised in the past against other people – her father, three classmates and her cousin.

In May, Depardieu had already been sentenced to 18 months in prison for sexual attacks on two women during the filming of the film “Les Volets Verts” (the green shutters) in 2021. He has appealed against this judgment.