Gerard Depardieu's trial in Paris is viewed as a critical juncture for the #MeToo movement in France, as it sheds light on the film industry's reluctance to address women's allegations of sexual abuse. The 76-year-old actor stands accused of multiple sexual assault incidents against junior women while filming 'Les Volets verts' in 2021. Testimonies reveal a culture of fear and silence, with victims too scared to speak out against a powerful figure. As witnesses recount their experiences, the trial emphasizes the urgent need for accountability in the industry.
Everyone knew, said a 30-year-old actor, who was called as a witness. She said that during her first role, aged 20, in the Netflix series Marseille, Depardieu had suddenly put his hand inside her shorts and underwear, against her skin. She pushed him away and he did it again. When she protested, he said: What? I thought you wanted to succeed in cinema ...
The women's lawyers told the court he was an all-powerful star who deliberately targeted junior women, who were in fear of being blacklisted if they spoke out.
A further witness, a costume designer, told the court that on a 2014 film set, while she was adjusting a cape Depardieu was wearing, he shoved me behind curtains, put his hands on my knickers, my tights, my groin, my breasts She said he had told her: You know who I am. Let it happen. I'm an actor
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