Gerard Depardieu in court over sexual assault allegations: 20 women have leveled accusations

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Famous actor Gerard Depardieu is on trial in France over allegations that he sexually assaulted two women during a film shoot in 2021. Depardieu appeared in court for the first time due to sexual assault and harassment allegations. The actor, who denies the charges against him, has become a target of the 'MeToo' movement in Paris.

The MeToo movement made its impact felt in France following the arrest of Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Speaking at the Cesar Awards last year, Judith Godreche drew attention to the culture of sexual abuse and silence in the French film industry, calling on abused women to defend their rights.

According to a report by The Guardian, at the center of the case are a 34-year-old assistant director and a 54-year-old set designer. Both women worked with Depardieu on the set of the 2022 film "Les Volets Verts." The set designer officially filed a complaint with the police for sexual assault, harassment, and insults following an open letter the actor published in the newspaper Le Figaro in 2023.

The Mediapart website published allegations of sexual violence against Depardieu by more than a dozen women six months ago. Some of these allegations date back to the early 2000s. Approximately 20 women have accused the actor of harassment and inappropriate behavior. However, some cases were dropped due to the statute of limitations.

One of the film's lead actresses, Anouk Grinberg, supported the allegations, stating that Depardieu used 'obscene language' during filming.

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

The hearing was originally scheduled to take place in October of last year. It was announced that the court was postponed due to Depardieu's health problems. The actor's lawyer, Jeremie Assous, stated that his client had undergone heart bypass surgery and that the stress of the trial worsened his diabetes. A doctor appointed by the court stated that Depardieu was fit to stand trial. It was announced that the hearings would be limited to six hours a day and that breaks would be taken when necessary.

An investigation was launched into Depardieu in 2020 following rape and sexual assault allegations made against him by actress Charlotte Arnould. Arnould alleged that the famous actor attacked her twice at his home in Paris. It was noted that the investigation is still ongoing.

The actor's lawyers requested that the cases be dismissed. However, the Paris public prosecutor's office stated that there was 'serious and corroborated evidence' supporting the charges. Assous emphasized that his client categorically denies all accusations.