In brief
Gerard Depardieu has requested a delay in the start of his sexual assault trial in Paris, originally scheduled for Monday, due to health issues. His attorney, Jeremie Assous, conveyed to the media that the 75-year-old actor has been "deeply affected" by illness and was advised by doctors not to attend. The actor is accused of assaulting two women during the production of the film "Les Volets Verts" in 2021, making it one of the most significant #MeToo cases in France. The prosecution alleges Depardieu made lewd remarks and groped the women, with a potential five-year prison sentence upon conviction. Depardieu has denied all allegations and previously stated in a letter that he has never "abused a woman."
His trial represents a significant event in the ongoing #MeToo movement in France, as he is one of the country's most prominent figures facing such allegations. Following the accusations, he has not appeared in a film since 2022 and is facing additional charges from another actress, Charlotte Arnould. Notably, despite the gravity of the charges, some members of the artistic community have shown support for Depardieu, criticizing the allegations as an "attack on art." A group of over 50 artists, including renowned actors and singers, expressed solidarity with him, emphasizing that they couldn't stay silent regarding what they described as a "lynching." On the political front, French President Emmanuel Macron's support for Depardieu has drawn backlash from campaigners fighting against violence toward women.
