French film star Gérard Depardieu today denied sex assault charges that could see jailed for up to five years.
The 76-year-old looked tired and frail on Monday as he appeared at the Paris Correctional Court at the opening of a high-profile criminal trial.
“I would like to make a statement beforehand, and then answer the court’s questions,” said Depardieu, who made his name in hit movies including Green Card, Cyrano de Bergerac and The Last Metro.
His lawyer meanwhile said the charges were part of a ‘flawed manhunt’ against the ‘Sacred Monster’ of French cinema.
Sitting a few feet away from Depardieu, who was wearing a black suit and Nike trainers, were the two plaintiffs: Amélie, a set designer aged 54, and Sarah, a 34-year-old assistant producer.
Both said they were repeatedly assaulted by Depardieu during the filming of The Green Shutters (Les Volets Verts) in 2021.
Jeremie Assous, for Depardieu, said their claims should be rejected because of a failed investigation.
Calling the honesty of the complainants into question, Mr Assous said: “The mission had to be fulfilled – to bring down the sacred monster, Gérard Depardieu.”
Mr Assous said witnesses were all part of a ‘flawed manhunt’ and that the trial should be cancelled.
“In this trial, we have proof that the most basic principles were trampled on both by the judicial police officer in charge of this case, and by the public prosecutor,” said Mr Assous.
He added: “Today, a complaint for sexual violence atomizes you, it kills you socially.”
In turn, lawyers for the complainants accused Mr Assous of stalling tactics, and said the trial should go ahead.
Carine Durrieu-Diebolt, for Amélie, said the defence arguments ‘presented today are inadmissable’.
Amélie has told French media that it felt like being in a ‘wolf trap’ when Depardieu grabbed initimate parts of her body, and verbally abused her.
It was only thanks to security guards pulling Depardieu away that the assaults were not worse, she alleges.
Sarah, the second plaintiff, says she was molested three times, with Depardieu grabbing her buttocks and breasts.
Anouk Grinberg, 62, an actress who appeared in The Green Shutters, is among those who have backed such accounts.
The case was adjourned in October, when a lawyer for Depardieu said he was “in great pain, both psychologically and physically,” because of diabetes and a serious heart condition.
During the current trial in the 10th Chamber of the Correctional Court, hearings are limited to six hour, with Depardieu allowed regular breaks, and permission to nibble at energy bars.
He has also been given access to a private toilet and rest room, and is allowed to check his smartphone for blood sugar readings.
Depardieu was first placed in police custody on April 29th last year, accused of the sexual assaults, and then bailed to appear in court, where he faces up to five years in prison, and a €75,000 (£62,000) fine.
Depardieu is also set to stand trial at a later date for allegedly raping French actress Charlotte Arnould, 29.
Ms Arnould has renounced her right to legal anonymity, saying there is video footage of her performing a sex attack on Depardieu at his Paris mansion.
He claims the sex was consensual, and denies two counts of rape and sexual assault against Ms Arnould.
Her decision to go public led to up to 15 women reporting Depardieu for alleged crimes that could also end up in court.
It was also announced last month that Depardieu is under criminal investigation for tax fraud and money laundering.
France’s National Financial Prosecutor’s Office said on Monday that an enquiry was first launched into Depardieu’s finances last year.
Sexual attacks are a huge issue in France right now, thanks to the #MeToo movement highlighting crimes by rich and powerful men, including actors, sportsmen, and other celebrities.
A year ago, French President Emmanuel Macron sparked fury by defending Mr Depardieu.
Mr Macron appeared on a TV chat show and said he detested the actor being subjected to ‘a manhunt’.
The current Depardieu trial is listed for two days, although the verdict may be withheld until later in the year.