Justice: Harassment trial against Depardieu postponed to March

The criminal trial against French actor Gérard Depardieu over allegations of sexual harassment has been postponed at the defendant’s request. After deliberating for an hour and a half, the Paris criminal court decided not to hear the matter until the end of March. It thus complied with the request of Depardieu’s lawyer Jérémie Assous, who had asked for a new appointment due to the 75-year-old film legend’s health. The actor’s defense has until the beginning of March to submit a medical report.

As defense attorney Assous previously explained on France Info, Depardieu’s doctors banned him from appearing at the hearing. The actor asked for a reschedule so that he could be present in person. The lawyer explained that he would like to have his say. The Paris Criminal Court originally wanted to hear the case this Monday. The verdict was also expected.

Several allegations against Depardieu

The proceedings concern two cases that are said to have occurred in 2021 during the filming of the film “Les volets verts” (The Green Shutters) by director Jean Becker. The two women, a decorator and an assistant to the director, accuse Depardieu of groping their breasts and buttocks.

Depardieu (“Cyrano of Bergerac”, “Asterix and Obelix”) denies the allegations. In the case, he faces up to five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros.

For years, women have repeatedly come forward to accuse Depardieu of sexual assault. He now has to go to court for the first time. The case is receiving a lot of attention in France. The courtroom was packed, even though it was clear that the actor himself would not appear. Dozens demonstrated in front of the court in support of the women complaining.

Depardieu is also facing trial in another case. In 2018, actress Charlotte Arnould sued him for alleged rape. The actor completely denies the allegations. He wrote in the newspaper “Le Figaro”: “I have never, ever abused a woman.”

Depardieu has appeared in over 200 films, many of which have become classics of cinema, including “The Savvy”, “Cyrano of Bergerac” and “The Last Metro”. However, since the accusations have mounted, more and more people are distancing themselves from him.