France: Natoring process against film star Depardieu started

For the first time, France’s film icon Gérard Depardieu is sitting in court for allegations of sexual attacks. The 76-year-old ran slightly on his lawyer at noon in the bulging Paris Course Hall. Defense attorney Jérémie Assous said before the press: “All accusations are lied.” This will now be proven. “The truth is on our side.”

Actually, the procedure against the once celebrated film hero was supposed to take place in October. In the short term, however, it was postponed due to the accused’s state of health. According to the medical report, the actor should now only sit in the hearing for six hours a day. In between, there should be a 15-minute break for him.

Both plaintiffs present

The process revolves around allegations of sexual harassment during the filming of the film “Les Volets Verts” (the green shutters) by director Jean Becker in 2021. Two women have brought accusations against depardieu. They were present in the court.

One of the applicants, a decorator over 50, accuses him of having pulled her in a corridor at the location, a Parisian apartment. In doing so, he is said to have fixed them with his legs and touched them over the clothing on the chest, buttocks and intimate area – accompanied by obscene comments. In February 2024 she filed a complaint for sexual assault, harassment and sexist insults.

The second plaintiff, a director’s assistant, accuses the actor of having touched her chest and buttocks on the film set. He is said to have already re -enacted her on the street. She showed him in March 2024. Depardieu threatens up to five years of liberty and 75,000 euros in fine.

Fighting lawyer defends Depardieu

Depardieu took the well -known criminal defender Jérémie Assous to defend it. The 48-year-old is known for his ingenious and provocative style and had already moved the process in autumn 2024.

In advance, he described the allegations as “completely invented”. On Tuesday, Assouus wants to hear a number of witnesses – including actress Fanny Ardant and a lighting technician.

Depardieu himself denies all allegations. In a letter published in the newspaper “Le Figaro” in early October 2023, he describes himself as the victim of a “media lynch justice”. He was provocative, presumptuous and sometimes rude throughout his life. However, he was not a rapist. He never misused a woman.

Protests before the start of the process

At the start of the trial, women’s rights activists gathered in front of the courthouse. It was read on their saying: “We believe the victims” and “All rapes in court, all processes in the spotlight.”

For years, more and more women have spoken to Depardieu accuses of sexual attacks. Since then, only a few people have been among the once celebrated size of French culture. They include actress Ardant, his ex-partner Carole Bouquet and Magda Vavrusova. The actress and producer has been his partner since 2017.

Depardieu may also have to go to court in another case. In 2018, the actress Charlotte Arnoild sued him for suspected rape. He also points out this accusation.

The award -winning actor played in more than 200 films, many have become classics of cinema, such as “Cyrano from Bergerac”, “Asterix and Obelix” and “The Last Metro”.