The trial of Gerard Depardieu for sexual assault began in Paris in the star’s absence, after his lawyer requested a delay in proceedings, citing the actor’s health problems. tablets.
Depardieu is accused of attacking two women while filming the 2021 film Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters), in the highest-profile #MeToo case to hit the country.
Prosecutors said he made explicit sexual comments and then aggressively “groped” two members of the film’s production team. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.
The 75-year-old denied the allegations and said in an open letter published last year that he had never “abused women”.
The proceedings opened at the criminal court in the French capital at around 13:30 local time (12:30 GMT). Depardieu’s lawyer, Jeremie Assous, told French media that the actor had been “deeply affected” by his illness and was advised by doctors not to attend the trial.
Assous added that his client had requested a delay because he “wanted to come, wanted to express himself” in court, but the proceedings continued in his absence.
The trial marks a watershed moment for France’s #MeToo movement, with Depardieu the highest-profile figure in French cinema to face accusations of sexual assault. The women – who have not been named – said Depardieu made sexually suggestive comments to them. They said he also “violently assaulted” and “groped” them.
Depardieu’s lawyer accused the women of “false accusations”. He also claimed that one of the women was trying to “make money” by claiming 30,000 euros ($32,500; £25,000) in compensation, Le Monde reported.
Since the allegations emerged, Depardieu has become a virtual outcast. He has not appeared in a film since 2022 and he faces a second trial next year on charges of raping actress Charlotte Arnould twice at his Paris home. He denied the allegations.
Depardieu was also accused of sexual assault by more than a dozen other women.
Despite the mounting allegations, the star has received strong messages of support from some members of the French arts community. A group of more than 50 actors, directors and producers said the allegations against Depardieu were “an attack on art itself” in a letter published last year.
Signed by actors Charlotte Rampling, Carole Bouquet, Pierre Richard, and singers Carla Bruni and Jacques Dutronc, the letter said they could not “remain silent in the face of the lynching that has occurred”. [Depardieu]”.
French President Emmanuel Macron also caused outrage when he described the actor as “the pride of France” last year. Macron added that Depardieu was being “hunted”. Campaigners said the comments undermined efforts to protect women from violence.
Actress Léa Seydoux called Macron’s comments “crazy”, adding that it “gives a very bad image to France”.
Despite Macron’s support, his then-culture minister Rima Abdul-Malak said she would consider withdrawing Depardieu’s Legion d’Honneur after footage emerged of him making sexually explicit comments. around women in a 2018 documentary filmed in North Korea.
