French Cinema Legend Gérard Depardieu in Police Custody Over Sexual Assault Allegations

French actor Gérard Depardieu has been summoned by police in Paris for questioning over allegations of sexual assault made by two women. The accusations relate to incidents that allegedly occurred during film shoots in 2014 and 2021.

The police summons follows a report by the BFMTV television channel. The Paris police, prosecutor's office, Depardieu's lawyers, and a lawyer for one of the alleged victims have not yet responded to requests for comment.

Depardieu, 75, has previously been accused by more than a dozen other women of harassment, groping, or sexual assault. In 2020, he was handed preliminary rape and sexual assault charges following allegations from actor Charlotte Arnould.

The first woman in the current case accuses Depardieu of assaulting her when she was a crew member on the 2022 film 'The Green Shutters', alleging that he groped her and made obscene comments before his bodyguards removed him. The second woman claimed Depardieu groped her extensively and made inappropriate remarks while she was an assistant on the set of the 2015 film 'The Magician and the Siamese'.

Why this matters: The allegations against Depardieu have exposed a major split in French cinema and wider society, with some defending his right to presumption of innocence and others supporting his accusers. The case raises broader questions about the treatment of women in the film industry and the accountability of powerful figures.

Depardieu has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, stating in an open letter last October that he has "never, ever abused a woman." The renowned actor, who has made over 200 films and was once seen as a national icon in France, has enjoyed international fame for his roles in Hollywood films. Another sexual assault complaint filed last year by an actor has been dropped due to the statute of limitations, and a Spanish journalist has filed a criminal complaint against Depardieu for an alleged rape in 1995.

Key Takeaways

• French actor Gérard Depardieu summoned by police for sexual assault allegations.
• Accusations relate to incidents during film shoots in 2014 and 2021.
• Depardieu previously accused by over a dozen women of harassment, groping, or assault.
• Allegations expose split in French cinema, raise questions about industry accountability.
• Depardieu denies wrongdoing, another complaint against him dropped due to statute of limitations.