Gérard Depardieu, the acclaimed French actor currently facing investigation for alleged rape, is confronting yet another accusation of sexual assault. The latest claim comes from a set designer who has filed a legal complaint, asserting that Depardieu sexually harassed and assaulted her during the filming of the 2022 movie Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters). This marks the second accusation of sexual misconduct against the 75-year-old actor during the production of the said film, which also features Anouk Grinberg and Fanny Ardant in Paris.
The complainant, identified as Amélie, aged 53, filed the legal complaint through her lawyer, Carine Durrieu Diebolt. Amélie alleges that on September 10, 2021, Depardieu made offensive remarks and then physically assaulted her on the film set. She described the incident as the actor grabbing her with “phenomenal force,” pinning her between his thighs, and engaging in inappropriate physical contact.
Amélie refrained from pressing charges at the time, not wanting to disrupt the film’s production, but the trauma persisted. The issue resurfaced in October when Depardieu publicly denied any wrongdoing. Following these events, Amélie has reportedly been unable to work, experiencing anxiety attacks and post-traumatic stress.
Durrieu Diebolt submitted the legal complaint last Friday, accusing Depardieu of sexual assault, sexist insult, and harassment. The Paris public prosecutor’s office will assess whether there is a case and decide on further legal action. As of now, the Paris prosecutor’s office has not confirmed the complaint, and Depardieu’s legal team has not issued a statement.
In addition to Amélie’s accusation, another woman named Sarah, 33, an assistant director on the same film shoot, has accused Depardieu of inappropriate touching.
This latest development adds to the legal challenges Depardieu is already facing. In December 2020, he was formally put under investigation for the alleged rape and sexual assault of actor Charlotte Arnould, with a court finding “serious and confirmed evidence” justifying the charges. Depardieu has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that his encounters were consensual.
Despite the mounting allegations, Depardieu has received public support from some quarters, including an open letter signed by 50 artists in December, decrying what they perceive as a “lynching” of the actor. However, a counter letter signed by around 600 people called for support for victims of sexual abuse.
French President Emmanuel Macron, in a television interview, expressed support for Depardieu, emphasizing his contributions as an “immense actor” who brings pride to France. Macron urged that Depardieu be granted the presumption of innocence, characterizing the situation as a “manhunt” against the actor. The controversies surrounding Gérard Depardieu continue to spark division and debate within the public sphere in France.