Renowned French Actor Says Depardieu’s Sex Assault Case Underlines A Need For Change
Anouk Grinberg, a renowned French actor, says the sexual assault trial against fellow actor Gérard Depardieu reflects the slow path toward awareness of sex abuse in France, especially in the film industry, after years of silence. Grinberg has known Depardieu for over three decades and has decided to speak out about the need for change, joining other French actors who are shining a light on the repulsive underside of the country’s industry.
“For several years, I witnessed this without any reaction, just like everyone else,” she told The Associated Press. “The violence overwhelmed me, and we didn’t perceive it as violence at the time.” Grinberg provided a detailed account of Depardieu’s obscene comments, which she claimed he consistently made on a film set.
Gérard Depardieu’s Sexual Assault Trial In France Is Postponed Until March
The French movie star’s trial, scheduled for Monday, was postponed until March after his lawyer presented medical notices stating that the 75-year-old actor was too unwell to attend. Gérard Depardieu is facing two charges of sexual assault against two women on the set of a 2022 movie.
If convicted, Depardieu would face up to five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros. The case represents a breakthrough for France’s #MeToo movement after years of relative inaction, particularly in the movie industry, where Depardieu is idolized and powerful.
Gérard Depardieu Sexual Assault Trial Postponed After Actor’s No-Show
The trial of Gérard Depardieu on sexual assault charges was postponed until next year after the actor failed to appear in court on Monday, saying he was unwell. The stress of the hearing, according to his lawyer, has deteriorated the 75-year-old actor’s health. The defense also requested the trial to last longer than anticipated due to the need to hear more witnesses. The trial will now take place on March 24-25, 2025.
The case has become a symbol of the shifting attitudes in the French film industry, with the #MeToo movement finally gaining traction and bringing to light the long-standing issues of sexual abuse and misconduct. The postponement of the trial has left many disappointed, but it also underscores the need for a comprehensive reckoning within the industry.
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