In a text published in “Figaro” they spoke of a “lynching” and lamented the “hatred that is pouring out on his person.” There is clearly a “disregard for the presumption of innocence” in the Depardieu case.
“Probably the greatest of all actors”
Signatories include director Bertrand Blier, actor Pierre Richard and singer and former French first lady Carla Bruni. “Gérard Depardieu is probably the greatest of all actors. The last superstar of cinema,” the article says: “If you attack Gérard Depardieu in this way, it is an attack on art.” Our time will forever be marked by the “indelible trace of his work,” Depardieu’s supporters wrote. “The rest, everything else, concerns the judiciary; only the judiciary. Exclusively.”
Just a few days ago, French Culture Minister Rima Abdul Malak described Depardieu’s behavior towards women as a “disgrace for France” and initiated his exclusion from the Legion of Honor. The renewed outrage was triggered by a documentary in which the film star can be seen making numerous vulgar and sexist comments while on a filming trip in North Korea.
Rape allegations – case ongoing
An investigation into rape allegations has been ongoing in France since the end of 2020 once morest Depardieu – one of the most famous French actors in history. Actress Charlotte Arnould accuses the actor of raping her twice in his Paris apartment in 2018.
Actress Hélène Darras recently reported Depardieu for sexual assault during filming in 2007. The Spanish journalist and author Ruth Baza recently filed another complaint. Numerous other women have accused Depardieu of sexual assault in the past. The actor, who turns 75 on Wednesday, denies all allegations.
Macron also defended Depardieu
Shortly before Christmas, French President Emmanuel Macron defended Depardieu. Macron said he was a “great admirer” of Depardieu, who was a “great actor.” He detests “manhunts” and the presumption of innocence applies.
Depardieu is one of the most famous French actors. He has worked with the most important directors and actresses in France and has made more than 200 films. In it he embodied the eloquent Cyrano de Bergerac as well as a washed-up pop singer, a slaughterhouse worker or an Alzheimer’s patient. Last but not least, his performances as Obelix will be remembered.
