The trial of French film star Gerard Depardieu is set to begin in Paris today on charges of sexually assaulting two women.
Depardieu, who has appeared in more than 200 films, is considered an icon of French cinema. He is alleged to have assaulted both women during the making of the film Les Volets Verts in 2021.
If convicted, he could be jailed for up to five years, although it is more likely he would be hit with a combination of a suspended sentence and a large fine.
Depardieu has denied the allegations, claiming he has never “abused a woman”. He has been offered support by a group of actors and directors, who said that an attack on Depardieu represented “an attack on art itself”.
The trial is seen as a huge moment for the growing MeToo movement in France.
MeToo, which became well known in America during the Harvey Weinstein rape case, exists to highlight sexual violence against women and to push for more action by authorities. It has often placed a focus on areas such as filmmaking, industries that have long been dominated by men, where a blind eye has frequently been turned to sexual abuse.
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
President Emmanuel Macron described the actor as “the pride of France”, sparking an angry response from campaigners who claimed he was undermining efforts to protect women from violence.
Man dies after boat deflates crossing Channel, French authorities say
Three dead after migrant boat ‘with 50 on board’ sinks in Channel
Gisele Pelicot: Husband ‘destroyed’ and betrayed me, says woman at centre of France mass rape trial
The French actress Lea Seydoux, known for her role in the Bond film No Time to Die, described Mr Macron’s words as “crazy”, saying “it gives a very bad image of our country”.
Read more from Sky News:
Georgia’s ruling party wins election over pro-EU opposition
Iran’s president warns against further attacks after Israel strikes
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
Depardieu has long had a reputation for living a life of excess and indulgence, with his fans lauding him as a maverick. However, more recently his popularity has declined as he has faced a growing number of claims of inappropriate conduct.
The 75-year-old is due to face another trial next year after he was charged with raping the actress Charlotte Arnould twice at his home in Paris.
