French Film Star Depardieu Faces Trial over Sexual Assault Allegations
Case Highlights France’s Broader Reckoning over Sexual Violence
French actor Gerard Depardieu faces trial on Monday over alleged sexual assaults of two women on a film set, a case placing one of the world’s best-known movie stars at the heart of France’s broader reckoning over sexual violence.
Depardieu Denies Any Wrongdoing
Depardieu, 76, has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and his lawyer, Jeremie Assous, said the case was based on “false accusations” against his client. Assous added that the movie star was expected to attend the two-day trial after an initial hearing was postponed due to his ill health.
Alleged Assaults on Film Set
Prosecutors say the assaults took place during the filming in 2021 of “Les Volets Verts” (The Green Shutters). They accuse Depardieu of groping one of the women on the film set, pulling her towards him and trapping her with his legs before touching her waist, hips, and breasts while saying obscene words. Three people witnessed the scene, prosecutors say. They also claim the second woman was groped by Depardieu on set and in the street.
Women’s Identities Not Revealed
The women’s identities have not been revealed.
Broad Impact of the Case
The alleged assaults occurred while Depardieu was under formal investigation over accusations of raping a young actress in 2018. A trial has been requested by prosecutors in the case.
Lawyers’ Perspective
A lawyer for one of the women, Carine Durrieu-Diebolt, told Reuters that her client was scared to come forward against Depardieu. “There’s a fear, because he’s a cinema giant,” she said. “It’s a struggle between David and Goliath, and they are afraid of retaliation as they all work in cinema but at a much lower level than Depardieu.”
French #MeToo Movement
The trial could be the highest-profile #MeToo case to come before the courts in France, a country where the protest movement over sexual violence has struggled to gain the same traction as in the United States. However, recent developments suggest this might change. Gisele Pelicot became a global feminist icon last year after she waived her right to anonymity during the trial of her former husband, who was convicted of drugging her and inviting dozens of men over to their home to sexually abuse her. Then, last month, a French court found film director Christophe Ruggia guilty of sexually abusing actress Adele Haenel when she was underage.
Cinema Industry Response
French director and actress Judith Godreche, who has become a major voice in France’s #MeToo movement, said these trials show some progress. “One of the great things that is happening is that women who are talking against very powerful men are mostly not considered crazy anymore,” she told Reuters. However, Godreche said it is still uncommon for men to speak up in the French cinema industry.
Conclusion
The trial of French film star Gerard Depardieu over alleged sexual assault allegations is a significant moment in France’s ongoing reckoning with sexual violence. While the case highlights the cultural and societal issues surrounding sexual harassment and assault, it also marks a turning point in the country’s #MeToo movement.
FAQs
* Who is Gerard Depardieu?
+ A French film actor.
* What are the allegations against Depardieu?
+ He is accused of sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021.
* What is the outcome of the trial?
+ The trial is scheduled to take place on Monday, with Depardieu expected to attend.
* What is the significance of this case?
+ It is a high-profile #MeToo case in France, which has struggled to address sexual violence.