The trial of French actor Gérard Depardieu began in Paris on Monday, where he faces allegations of sexual harassment from two women.
The alleged offenses took place in 2021 on the set of the film "Green Shutters." Two crew members reported sexual violence, persistent sexual harassment, and sexist insults from the actor.
Gérard Depardieu vehemently denies the accusations; his lawyer stated that the claims are false and that evidence and witnesses will prove this during the hearings.
However, the 75-year-old actor will not be present in court due to health issues.
Previously, Gérard Depardieu has faced multiple allegations of sexual harassment, and actress Charlotte Arnould accused him of rape in 2020.
At the end of last year, the television company France 2 released a documentary in which 16 women accused Depardieu of sexual crimes. It also included inappropriate comments he made during a trip to North Korea in 2018.
At the same time, many have come out in support of the French film star.
President Emmanuel Macron referred to him as "a pride of France."
Fifty-six French artists, writers, and producers published an essay defending the film star, stating that when "Gérard Depardieu becomes a target for such attacks, art itself is under threat."
This has sparked an angry reaction from human rights activists and #MeToo advocates, who claimed that politicians and officials are sabotaging efforts to protect women from violence. Activists hope that the trial against Depardieu will be a turning point for the French film industry.
It remains unclear when the court will reach a decision. If found guilty, Depardieu could face up to five years in prison.