French actor gerard depardieu He is expected to appear in a Paris criminal court on Monday over the alleged sexual assault of two women on a film set in 2021.
Depardieu, who has previously denied any wrongdoing, is accused of using “violence, coercion, surprise or intimidation” in the alleged attack, which prosecutors said was “les voltes verts” (“The Green It happened on the set of “Shutters”).
Prosecutors say that in both cases, the victims reported that the 75-year-old actor pinned them between his legs and groped their buttocks, genitals, chest and breasts over their clothes.
The lawsuit comes as France continues to be hit by sexual violence in the wake of the #MeToo movement, which has struggled to gain popularity, particularly in the cinema industry.
Prosecutors say there are witnesses on the film set
one of The victims have been identified As a 53-year-old production designer.
The Associated Press does not generally identify victims of sexual assault without their consent. Her lawyer did not respond to an email from the AP on that matter.
According to Paris prosecutors, the woman told investigators that she had first heard sexual comments from Depardieu and then one day, as she was passing by him, he “grabbed her, drew her towards him, forced her to his feet.” and molested him.” There are also obscene comments about her waist, hips and chest along with her gestures.”
Three people witnessed it, prosecutors said, confirming that the woman attempted to break Depardieu’s hold and that she appeared “dazed.”
A psychiatric examination gave him seven days’ leave.
Following the incident, an apology was arranged for Depardieu. But in a TV interview aired on Saturday, she said the actor was angry and blamed her for creating trouble.
Prosecutors said witnesses confirmed what Depardieu said that it has not been formed An apology.
In an interview with French online news site Mediapart, the production designer — who spoke on camera but gave only his first name — said the alleged attack has impacted his personal and professional life for at least 1 1/2 years.
She said she couldn’t sleep well, had anxiety attacks and lost weight.
According to prosecutors, the woman said it took her a while to file a complaint, but after hearing on television that there had never been any incidents during the shooting, she decided to do so.
Paris prosecutors said that a month before the alleged attack, another woman working on the film set had also complained about Depardieu.
A director’s assistant told investigators that Depardieu had touched her buttocks several times.
She had expressed her disapproval and Depardieu, in turn, had insulted her, she said.
The psychiatrist also gave him six days leave.
Depardieu’s lawyer, Jeremy Assous, told the AP in an email Saturday that “witnesses and evidence (Depardieu) will present that show he is the target of false allegations.”
It is not clear when the court will issue its verdict.
Macron and some members of the film industry support Depardieu
Despite the allegations against Depardieu, many people including French President Emmanuel Macron have come out in his support.
Late last year, 56 French artists, writers and producers published an essay defending the film star, saying that when “Gérard Depardieu is targeted in this way, it harms the art (of cinema) ) is being attacked.”
His call came just weeks after national broadcaster France 2 presented a documentary outlining allegations of sexual misconduct by 16 women against Depardieu, and showing the actor making obscene comments and gestures during a visit to North Korea in 2018 Went.
In the footage, Depardieu can be seen making moaning sounds and sexual comments to the women, including a girl of about 10 who is riding horseback.
He can also be seen posing for a photo, saying he is “touching down” with a North Korean interpreter next to him.
He was accused of rape and sexual assault in 2021 Authorities reopen 2018 investigation It was initially removed following allegations from actor Charlotte Arnold.
In an open letter published in the conservative-leaning newspaper Le Figaro, Depardieu said last year: “I have never abused a woman.”
The actor was long seen as a national icon in France. He has been a global ambassador of French film and has gained international fame with numerous roles in Hollywood.
Earlier this year, actor Judith Godreche called on France’s film industry to “face the truth” on sexual violence and physical abuse during the César Awards ceremony, France’s version of the Oscars.
Godreche had previously alleged that two prominent film producers had sexually abused her when she was a teenager, causing a new shock in the industry.
Recently, the nation was shocked by the ongoing trial of 50 people accused of raping a woman who was first drugged and rendered unconscious by her husband.
Protests spread across the country last weekend in support of the victim, a mother and grandmother in her 70s who has become a hero to many victims of sexual violence by insisting that her trial be open to the public.
Feminist groups have called for protests outside the court ahead of Monday’s hearing.
