Law enforcement authorities have lodged charges against Gerard Depardieu.
In October, a trial for French actor Gérard Depardieu, under scrutiny for alleged sexual misconduct, is scheduled to commence. Moreover, the Paris prosecutor's office has petitioned for another trial against Depardieu, who has consistently denounced all accusations.
Recently, the Paris prosecutor's office demanded a trial against Depardieu for charges of sexual assault and rape on actress Charlotte Arnould. This trial request was confirmed by the prosecution. Previously, a trial against Depardieu for suspected sexual assaults on two women during filming in 2021 was slated for October.
French authorities initiated an investigation against Depardieu in December 2020, following Arnould's complaint. The actress accused the 75-year-old of raping her twice at his Paris residence in August 2018.
Arnould's legal representative labels it a "significant advancement"
During investigations, evidence was amassed that corroborated Arnould's veracity, said Arnould's lawyer, Carine Durrieu-Diebolt, to news agency AFP. This prosecution request is, according to her, "an essential step forward" for Arnould.
Depardieu's lawyer declined to respond to AFP's request initially. Depardieu has been implicated in numerous instances of sexual violence, with approximately 20 women accusing him of assaults and harassment in the media or in courts. Depardieu has maintained innocence in all cases.
In October, Depardieu will be confronted with his first trial for alleged sexual misconduct against two women. The case pertains to alleged incidents during the filming of "Les volets verts" by Jean Becker in 2021. If found guilty, Depardieu could face a maximum imprisonment term of five years.
Depardieu is renowned as one of France's most reputed actors. He has collaborated with the nation's most distinguished directors and actresses and has starred in over 200 films and TV series.
The Paris prosecutor's office, supported by Arnould's legal representative, considers the trial request against Depardieu to be a crucial step forward for the case. The Commission, composed of judicial authorities, will oversee the trial scheduled for Depardieu in October, following allegations of sexual misconduct.
