A public defense of French actor Gérard Depardieu, accused of sexual harassment, authored by numerous actresses and artists, has exposed divisions within France regarding the #MeToo movement’s confrontation of sexism.
Well-known personalities like actresses Nathalie Baye and Carole Bouquet, as well as singer and former first lady Carla Bruni, are among the more than 50 influential cultural figures asserting that Depardieu has faced unjust public “lynching.”
Gérard, a renowned French actor with a prolific film career and international recognition since his breakthrough in 1974’s “Going Places,” faces numerous sexual assault allegations. Recently, investigative magistrates formally investigated Depardieu for rape and sexual assault after actress Charlotte Arnould, 28, came forward with accusations in March 2022. Since then, more than 10 women have stepped forward accusing Depardieu of sexual violence and harassment.
Gérard has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and rejected allegations against him through his lawyers. In an October 2 letter published in Le Figaro, Depardieu declared that he has “never, absolutely never” mistreated a woman. Although faced with numerous accusations, he has yet to be convicted. President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for Depardieu around Christmas, addressing concerns regarding the review of Depardieu’s Legion d’Honneur medal, France’s most prestigious decoration, following questions in an interview.
President Macron criticized the relentless pursuit of Depardieu while expressing admiration for his artistic genius and international recognition, failing to address the suffering of the alleged victims.
GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
The president’s comments and the letter sent on Monday have sparked outrage among feminists and young actresses, who see them as an attempt to silence the voices of sexual violence victims and undermine the MeToo movement’s fight against sexual harassment in France.
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