Gerard Depardieu sexual assault trial begins in Paris

Gerard Depardieu’s trial on expenses of sexual assault has started in Paris with the star absent, after his lawyer requested for a delay to proceedings citing the actor’s well being points.

Depardieu is accused of attacking two girls whereas capturing the 2021 movie Les Volets Verts (The Inexperienced Shutters), within the highest profile #MeToo case to hit the nation.

Prosecutors say he made specific sexual remarks to, after which aggressively “groped”, two members of the film’s manufacturing staff. If convicted he might face 5 years in jail.

The 75-year-old denies the fees and stated in an open letter revealed final 12 months that he has by no means “abused a lady”.

Proceedings opened at a felony courtroom within the French capital at round 13:30 native time. Depardieu’s lawyer, Jeremie Assous, advised French media that the actor had been “deeply affected” by sickness and was suggested by his docs to not attend the trial.

Assous added that his consumer had requested for the delay as he “needs to come back, desires to specific himself” earlier than the courtroom, however proceedings continued in his absence.

The trial marks a significant second for France’s #MeToo motion, with Depardieu being the very best profile determine in French cinema to face accusations of sexual assault. The ladies – who haven’t been named – say Depardieu made sexual feedback to them. They are saying he additionally “violently grabbed” and “groped” them.

Depardieu’s lawyer has accused the ladies of “false accusations”. He additionally claimed that one of many girls was making an attempt to “earn a living” by claiming €30,000 ($32,500; £25,000) in compensation, Le Monde reported.

For the reason that allegations surfaced, Depardieu has change into a digital pariah. He has not appeared in a movie since 2022, and he faces a second trial subsequent 12 months on expenses of raping the actress Charlotte Arnould twice at his dwelling in Paris. He denies the allegations.

Depardieu has additionally been accused of sexual assault by greater than a dozen different girls.

Regardless of the mounting allegations, the star has obtained robust messages of help from some members of France’s inventive neighborhood. A bunch of greater than 50 actors, administrators and producers stated accusations in opposition to Depardieu have been “an assault on artwork itself” in a letter revealed final 12 months.

Signed by actors Charlotte Rampling, Carole Bouquet, Pierre Richard, and the singers Carla Bruni and Jacques Dutronc, the letter stated they may not “stay silent within the face of the lynching that has fallen upon [Depardieu]”.

French President Emmanuel Macron additionally attracted anger, after describing the actor as “the delight of France” final 12 months. Macron added that Depardieu was being subjected to a “manhunt”. Campaigners stated the feedback undermined efforts to guard girls from violence.

Actress Léa Seydoux referred to as Macron’s feedback “loopy”, including that it “provides a really dangerous picture for France”.

Regardless of Macron’s present of help, his then-culture minister Rima Abdul-Malak stated she would look into withdrawing Depardieu’s Legion d’Honneur after footage emerged of him making sexual feedback round girls in a 2018 documentary filmed in North Korea.