Sexual violence trial
Gérard Depardieu initially reported sick
Gérard Depardieu was due to appear in court in Paris at midday. But the star will be absent from the start of the trial due to illness.
Controversial French acting legend Gérard Depardieu (75) will not appear in court on Monday (October 28). The trial for sexual assault on two women during filming in 2021 will begin before the tenth chamber of the Paris Criminal Court on this date at 1:30 p.m. But Depardieu’s lawyer Jérémie Assous explained on Monday that his client was “seriously ill” and out For this reason, the trial will not begin.
Gérard Depardieu faces up to five years in prison
Accordingly, Depardieu’s doctors “unfortunately forbade him to be present at the hearing,” said Assous. The actor will therefore “request a postponement to a later date so that he can take part”. Assous had stated on Friday that Depardieu intended to appear in court. He wants to present “witnesses and evidence” that will “show that he is only the target of false accusations.” The plaintiffs’ goal, however, is to enrich themselves financially.
Allegations from around 20 women
In the lawsuit, Depardieu is accused of “sexual assaults” that are said to have occurred in September 2021 on the set of the film “Les volets verts” by Jean Becker (91). One of Depardieu’s alleged victims, a 55-year-old film decorator, filed a complaint in February 2024 for “sexual assault, sexual harassment and sexist insults.”
She told “Mediapart” that the actor “brutally grabbed her” and “kneaded her waist, stomach and breasts.” Only his bodyguards ensured that Depardieu let go of her and dragged him away. If convicted, the French acting legend faces up to five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros.
Legend of European cinema
In total, around 20 women have accused Depardieu of various sexual offenses in recent years. The allegations of 13 women came to light last year through extensive research. The public prosecutor’s office has also been investigating Depardieu since 2020 for the alleged rape of his fellow actress Charlotte Arnould (28). No charges have yet been filed in this case.
Gérard Depardieu is considered France’s greatest living acting star. He stood in front of the camera for directing legends such as François Truffaut (1932-1984), Jean-Luc Godard (1930-2022) and Bernardo Bertolucci (1941-2018), and also filmed in Hollywood with stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio (49). He was nominated for the César, the most important French film award, a total of 16 times – a lonely record.
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Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
