The trial of French actor Gerard Depardieu on sexual assault charges has commenced in his absence due to reported illness.
Depardieu’s lawyer, Jeremie Assous, stated that the 75-year-old actor was too unwell to attend and requested a postponement of the proceedings.
Regrettably, Depardieu’s doctors advised against his presence at the trial in Paris on Monday.
Assous plans to seek a six-month suspension of the trial due to additional complaints and a potential second court case looming.
Depardieu is a prominent figure facing allegations amidst France’s own version of the #MeToo movement, sparked by accusations against Harvey Weinstein in 2017.
The charges against Depardieu stem from incidents during a film shoot in 2021 involving two unnamed women.
Prosecutors claim that Depardieu groped one woman on set and in public while making lewd remarks and physically restraining her.
French actor Gerard Depardieu has been charged with alleged rape and sexual assault. [File: Tobias Schwarz/AFP]
A set dresser, now 55 years old, accused Depardieu of sexual assault, harassment, and sexist behavior during filming for “The Green Shutters.”
The plaintiff recounted an incident where Depardieu made inappropriate comments about his performance abilities with women on set.
Allegations include claims that he could bring women to climax without physical contact.
Link from www.aljazeera.com