The French actor Gerard Depardieu faces a trial on Monday for alleged sexual aggressions to two women on a film set, a case that places one of the best known film stars in the world at the center of greater awareness in France about sexual violence.
Depardieu, an outstanding figure of French cinema, has faced an increasing number of accusations of sexual assault in recent years. The 76 -year -old actor systematically denied any crime, and this would be the first case for which he would be tried.
His lawyer, Jeremie Assous, said the case was based on “false accusations” against his client, and added that the film star was expected to attend the trial of two days after an initial audience was postponed due to his poor health.
Prosecutors claim that the aggressions took place during filming in 2021 of “Les Volets Varts” (“The Green Postigules”).
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Depardieu also faces violation judgment
They accuse Depardieu from handling one of the women on the set of the film, throwing her towards him and caughting her with her legs before touching her waist, hips and breasts while saying obscene words. Three people witnessed the scene, prosecutors say.
They say that the second woman was groped by Depardieu on the set and on the street.
Women’s identities have not been revealed.
The alleged aggressions occurred while Depardieu was formally investigated for accusations of violation of a young actress in 2018. Prosecutors have requested a trial on the case.
A woman’s lawyer said her client was afraid to denounce Depardieu. Last week, a parliamentary research commission interrogated several leading actors, directors and producers on the issue of sexual violence in the cinema. Most men, including the famous actor Jean Dujardin, requested that the audiences be held behind closed doors.
With Reuters information
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