56 French celebrities defend Gérard Depardieu say he is victim of a lynching
56 French celebrities defend Gérard Depardieu say he is victim of a lynching – Not only the cinematographic field supports the actor, but also the French president Emmanuel Macron.
By Megan Sauer
In a letter published in Le Figaro, 56 prominent figures of French cinema, including personalities such as Carla Bruni, Carole Bousquet, Charlotte Rampling, Victoria Abril and Pierre Richard, have come to the defense of actor Gérard Depardieu against accusations of abuse and sexual conduct inappropriate.
The letter asserts that the actor is the victim of a media lynching and unqualified hatred that has fallen on Depardieu, challenging the presumption of innocence.
Not only the cinematographic field supports the actor, since French President Emmanuel Macron has described the accusations as a “witch hunt” and has refused to withdraw his Legion of Honor.
Despite multiple accusations, including one brought forward by Charlotte Arnould in 2018, Depardieu has maintained his innocence, stating in an open letter that he is neither “a rapist nor a predator.”
The accusations, which have led to a formal investigation launched by the Paris Court of Appeals in March 2023, have plunged the actor into a difficult legal situation.
Although Depardieu has requested that the case be dropped, the investigation will determine whether he will be brought to trial or dismissed.
In the letter published this Tuesday, the celebrities defended the 74-year-old actor with these words (via The Wrap ):
“Gérard Depardieu is probably the best actor.
We can no longer remain silent in the face of the lynching that fell upon him, in the face of the torrent of hatred that is poured out on him, without nuances.
In the most complete amalgam and challenging a presumption of innocence from which he would have benefited, like all others, if he were not the giant of cinema that he is.”
A few months ago Gérard Depardieu issued a firm denial of the accusations against him in an open letter in response to the 2018 lawsuit for sexual assault and rape, as well as the recent accusations of 13 women in 2023 for sexual assault and harassment.
In the letter, published in Le Figaro, Depardieu specifically addresses Charlotte Arnould ‘s 2018 lawsuit , stating that the woman visited her home “of her own free will” and returned “a second time.”
Although he does not mention Arnould by name, he points out that she now claims to have been raped. Despite the actor’s continued refusal, the formal investigation continues. Depardieu has reiterated his rejection of all accusations.
MeToo and the change in the industry
The MeToo movement has emerged as a critical catalyst for transforming the entertainment industry, shedding light on imbalanced power structures and fostering lasting cultural change.
This movement, started by survivors of sexual abuse in 2017, has made a significant impact on the way society perceives and addresses gender-based violence in the film and television industry.
Public denunciation by prominent figures has led to greater accountability and triggered extensive investigations into previously hushed cases of abuse.
MeToo has fostered a climate in which victims feel empowered to share their experiences, thus driving a structural transformation in the industry towards safer and more equitable practices.
The demand for greater diversity and representation on screen has also been a direct result of MeToo, as outdated narratives and gender stereotypes are questioned and challenged.
As awareness and pressure continues, the industry is being driven to re-evaluate its practices and take concrete steps to ensure a fairer and more inclusive work environment for all.
MeToo has not only uncovered the dark secrets of the past, but has also laid the foundation for a more conscious, egalitarian industry committed to eradicating abuse and discrimination.
