France: women inappropriately touched? Depardieu continues to court

After a long struggle for formal questions, the sensational harassment process against France’s film star Gérard Depardieu goes into the next round. From 9.30 a.m., negotiations in the Paris Palace of Justice are to be negotiated. The defense of the 76-year-old Depardieu has planned a number of witnesses. Among them is an extremely well -known face with actress Fanny Ardant. The public prosecutor considers it very likely that the judgment will only be made at a later date.

Process start of provocative defense lawyers

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. A decorator and a director’s assistant accuse Depardieu of having inappropriately touched her breasts and buttocks. The actor rejects this.

The beginning of the trial on Monday was characterized by the resolute appearance of Depardieu’s lawyer Jérémie Assous. Even before the negotiation, he said: “All accusations are lied.” Because the investigation had not been carried out thoroughly enough, he applied for a cancellation of the process in an elongated and aggressive lecture due to formal errors.

When the court initially did not take up this, Assous presented around 300 pages of files at short notice to be spotted. The co -lawsuit accused him of delay tactics.

Health restrictions and a famous witness

Actually, the process against the once celebrated film hero Depardieu was supposed to take place in October. But it was then postponed at short notice. Depardieus health state did not allow him to take part in the process, his lawyer had brought up at the time. 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.

The court indicated that they wanted to stick to these recommendations. It is questionable whether six hours will last six hours on Monday after the elongated procedural issues on Monday. When negotiating further, an extension should be necessary was not clear at first.

Assous wants to hear a number of witnesses heard on the second day of the trial. Among them are not only a lighting technician and depardieus of former bodyguards, but also the French drama icon Ardant (76), which is considered a loyal supporter Depardieus.

Other women also accuse Depardieu

For years, more and more women have spoken to Depardieu accuses of sexual attacks. In 2018, the actress Charlotte Arnoild sued him for rape. He may also have to go to court in this case.

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.

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”.