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Last Updated: March 25, 2025, 17:53 IST
Gerard Depardieu Faces Serious Allegations Amid Growing Legal Troubles
French film icon Gerard Depardieu, who is 76 years old, has found himself at the center of multiple sexual assault allegations in recent years, marking a significant shift in the public perception of the celebrated actor.
On Tuesday, Depardieu acknowledged in a court hearing that he had physical contact with Amelie K., a set decorator who has accused him of sexual assault. However, he insisted that this interaction did not constitute assault, attributing any inappropriate comments to a particularly bad mood he was in at the time.
This trial marks the first occasion Depardieu has faced legal proceedings regarding these allegations. He has denied any misconduct throughout the past allegations that have surfaced.
During his testimony, Depardieu admitted, “I grabbed her hips,” effectively acknowledging contact for the first time. He expressed that he had failed to mention this detail during his police interrogation.
Explaining his actions, Depardieu commented that he was trying to steady himself due to his emotional state and the end-of-shoot fatigue, stating, “I was very tired.” He remarked that his sentiments about Amelie K.’s performance contributed to his agitation.
At times, Depardieu appeared disoriented and frequently strayed from the line of questioning during his court appearance. He voiced frustrations over Amelie K.’s work quality, suggesting it might have been a source of the tension.
He stated, “I don’t see why I would grope a woman,” emphasizing that his physical state at the time made some of the allegations, like trapping Amelie K. between his legs, implausible.
Furthermore, he clarified that any inappropriate remarks he made were not personally aimed at her but were tied to her professional performance.
If convicted, Depardieu faces potential penalties of up to five years in prison, along with a fine of 75,000 euros (approximately $81,000).
The trial is set to last at least three days, having commenced on Monday after being rescheduled due to Depardieu’s health issues.
The accusations, stemming from incidents during the filming of “Les Volets Verts” (The Green Shutters) in 2021, involve allegations not only from Amelie K. but also from another woman, whose identity remains undisclosed. Prosecutors claim that Depardieu committed acts of groping and made lewd comments on set.
According to prosecutorial statements, three individuals reportedly witnessed the alleged occurrences involving Amelie K., during which she was purportedly pulled towards Depardieu and subjected to unwanted physical contact.
Additionally, the second accuser alleges that she, too, was groped both on set and in public spaces.
This trial represents a significant chapter in France’s #MeToo movement, as it is one of the most high-profile cases within the entertainment sector to reach court.
The unfolding trial has caused a split within the French acting community, with some actors supporting Depardieu while others have aligned with his accusers, highlighting the contentious nature of these allegations.
Source
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