MADRID, 12 Apr. (CultureLeisure) –
Gérard Depardieu, an actor known for films such as Cyrano de Bergerac or The Man in the Iron Mask, has been accused of inappropriate sexual behavior during the performance of his professional work. A total of 13 women have pointed to the French interpreter, whom they denounce for sexual violence, as revealed by an article published by the French media Médiapart.
Médiapart explains that the accusations are linked to eleven films and series that the actor released between 2004 and 2022, including titles such as Big House, L’autre Dumas or Marseille. The findings were the result of an investigation that lasted several months and was carried out as a result of rumors and comments on social networks about Depardieu’s treatment of women.
“In addition to Charlotte Arnould’s complaint, we have compiled 13 accounts of women who say they have been the subject of jokes or sexually inappropriate proposals of varying severity by the famous actor,” the article says, referring to the rape complaint that the actress Charlotte Arnould filed against Depardieu in 2018.
Several directors and producers involved in the aforementioned productions spoke to the outlet, denying any knowledge of Depardieu’s actions. However, the article collects several testimonials in which Depardieu’s inappropriate behavior is discussed and how he was overlooked on set.
“The same scene seemed to repeat itself. They are actresses, makeup artists and team members. They attest to having been molested with a hand on the ass, between the legs, on the thighs or on the belly; as well as with obscene sexual propositions and, sometimes, insistent moans”, reads the text. Apparently, these acts were belittled on the set and, in the face of complaints, the victims were told “that’s Gérard.”
Médiapart also emphasizes that many of the alleged victims had not reported these events for fear of a negative reaction, which could cause them not to return to work. “An element is perceived in these stories. The asymmetry between, on the one hand, often young and precarious women who are starting their careers, and on the other, a world-famous actor, whose mere presence sometimes makes it possible to finance the film,” he denounces. the middle.
Depardieu’s lawyers have already spoken out, stating that the accusations are based “on highly subjective assessments and/or moral judgments.” “He formally denies all charges that may fall under criminal law,” the interpreter’s lawyers stated.
While waiting to find out what happens with these 13 accusations, Depardieu will have to go to trial for the Arnould case. The actress, whose father was a longtime friend of Depardieu’s, accused the artist of raping and sexually assaulting her twice at his Paris mansion in the summer of 2018 after she came to him for advice on her acting career. After the withdrawal of charges was rejected, both will have to see each other in court.
The publication of these accusations comes a few days after the editor-in-chief of Médiapart, Ewdy Plenel, made headlines for denouncing the director and actress Maïwenn Le Besco for assault. According to the French media, Plenel revealed that a woman in a restaurant had violently grabbed her hair and spit on her. The woman was identified as Maiwenn.
Plenel had never had personal dealings with Maïwenn, but Médiapart has published in-depth reports on the sexual assault allegations against Luc Besson, her ex-husband and father of her child.
