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The celebrated French actor Gerard Depardieu, renowned for his extensive filmography including over 200 roles, is currently embroiled in a series of controversies that have sparked significant debate within France and the international film community. Depardieu, who was charged with rape in 2020, faces renewed scrutiny following the emergence of footage showing sexist remarks, leading to discussions about sexism and sexual misconduct in French cinema.
French Culture Minister Rima Abdul Malak, in a statement this week, criticized Depardieu’s actions as dishonorable to France. Abdul Malak raised the possibility of Depardieu being divested of the Legion of Honor, France’s highest award, which he received in 1996 from then-President Jacques Chirac. The Grand Chancery of the Legion of Honor has initiated a disciplinary procedure to review this matter.
The allegations against Depardieu include 13 counts of sexual harassment or assault. Recently, France 2 broadcasted footage from a 2018 trip to North Korea where Depardieu is seen making explicit sexual comments, including inappropriate remarks directed at a young girl. Depardieu has steadfastly denied these allegations, asserting in Le Figaro newspaper that he has never abused a woman.
Depardieu’s family, including his daughter Julie Depardieu, an actress, have come to his defense. In a letter published in the Journal du Dimanche, they condemned the accusations as part of an “unprecedented conspiracy” and described the actor as modest and delicate in his private life. They accused France 2’s investigation of being a “monstrous manipulation,” suggesting that Depardieu’s provocative behavior is part of his theatrical persona, often employed to lighten the mood on film sets.
Amid these developments, Depardieu has faced repercussions beyond the film industry. A Belgian municipality revoked his honorary citizen title, and the Canadian province of Quebec withdrew its highest honor, citing his “scandalous” comments against women. Furthermore, his lawyers, Beatrice Geissmann Achille and Christian Saint-Palais, have offered to relinquish his Legion of Honor award and criticized what they perceive as a “media lynching.”
Despite the controversies, Abdul Malak has stated that French citizens will likely continue to watch films featuring Depardieu. This ongoing situation highlights the complex dynamics of celebrity, public morality and accountability in the context of the #MeToo movement and broader societal debates about sexual misconduct and gender relations in the entertainment industry.
With AFP
