Gérard Depardieu in court Did the actor touch women inappropriately?
Gérard Depardieu says he has never abused a woman. (Picture from the start of the trial)
Image: dpa
Depardieu's defense lawyer caused a stir. (Picture from the start of the trial)
Image: dpa
Depardieu leaned lightly on his lawyer as he walked into the courtroom. (Picture from the start of the trial)
Image: dpa
For health reasons, Depardieu should not sit in court for more than six hours. (Picture from the start of the trial)
Image: dpa
Ardant was also present at the start of the trial.
Image: dpa
Gérard Depardieu says he has never abused a woman. (Picture from the start of the trial)
Image: dpa
Depardieu's defense lawyer caused a stir. (Picture from the start of the trial)
Image: dpa
Depardieu leaned lightly on his lawyer as he walked into the courtroom. (Picture from the start of the trial)
Image: dpa
For health reasons, Depardieu should not sit in court for more than six hours. (Picture from the start of the trial)
Image: dpa
Ardant was also present at the start of the trial.
Image: dpa
The start of the trial into the harassment allegations against Gérard Depardieu is characterized by lengthy formal discussions. Now it's time to get down to business. A celebrity is expected to take the witness stand.
25.03.2025, 07:27
25.03.2025, 09:40
dpa
No time? blue News summarizes for you
- The sensational molestation trial against French film star Gérard Depardieu enters the next round today.
- Among them is the actress Fanny Ardant, an extremely well-known face.
- The public prosecutor's office believes it is very likely that the verdict will not be reached until a later date.
After a long struggle over questions of form, the sensational molestation trial against French film star Gérard Depardieu is entering the next round.
Today, Wednesday, from 9.30 a.m., the case will be heard in the Paris Palace of Justice. The 76-year-old's defense has scheduled a number of witnesses.
Among them is the actress Fanny Ardant, an extremely well-known face. The public prosecutor's office believes it is very likely that the verdict will not be reached until a later date.
Lawyer Assous: "All the accusations are lies"
The trial revolves around allegations of sexual harassment during the shooting of the film "Les volets verts" (The Green Shutters) by director Jean Becker in 2021.
A set decorator and an assistant director accused Depardieu of touching them inappropriately on their breasts and buttocks. The actor denies this.
The start of the trial on Monday was characterized by the resolute appearance of Depardieu's well-known lawyer Jérémie Assous. Even before the hearing, he said: "All the accusations are lies."
Because, in his opinion, the investigations had not been conducted thoroughly enough, he applied for the trial to be annulled due to formal errors in a lengthy and belligerent presentation.
When the court initially did not grant this, Assous submitted around 300 pages of file material at short notice to be examined. The joint plaintiff indignantly accused him of delaying tactics.
Health restrictions and a famous witness
The trial against the once celebrated film hero Depardieu was actually due to take place in October. However, it was then postponed at short notice. Depardieu's state of health did not allow him to take part in the trial, his lawyer had argued at the time.
According to a medical report, the actor will now only sit in the hearing for six hours a day. He will have a 15-minute break in between.
The court has indicated that it intends to adhere to these recommendations. However, after the lengthy procedural issues on Monday, it is questionable whether six hours will be enough to continue the trial. It was initially unclear when the trial could continue if an extension was necessary.
Assous wants to hear a number of witnesses on the second day of the trial. Among them are not only a lighting technician and Depardieu's former bodyguard, but also the French acting icon Ardant (76), who is considered a loyal supporter of Depardieu.
Other women also make allegations against Depardieu
For years, more and more women have been coming forward to accuse Depardieu of sexual assault. In 2018, actress Charlotte Arnould sued him for rape. He may also have to stand trial in this case.
Depardieu himself denies all allegations. In a letter published in the newspaper "Le Figaro" at the beginning of October 2023, he describes himself as the victim of "media lynch law". He has been provocative, overbearing and sometimes rude his whole life. However, he was not a rapist. He has never abused a woman.
The award-winning actor has appeared in more than 200 films, many of which have become cinema classics, such as "Cyrano of Bergerac", "Asterix and Obelix" and "The Last Metro".