French president Emmanuel Macron spoke about the case of actor Gerard Depardieu, arguing against stripping him of the Legion of Honor based on media reports. He urged the protection of the presumption of innocence and explained in an interview with France 5 that the honor should not be used to deliver moral lessons. Macron also pointed out that it would be wrong for the artist to lose the decoration because of a TV news report, stressing that awards must not be decided by headlines alone.
The President underscored that the Legion of Honor should not be awarded on the basis of popular testimony, and he reminded the public that legal procedures must run their course. He reaffirmed his commitment to fundamental values, including the presumption of innocence, and argued that justice should unfold through proper processes rather than public opinion or sensationalized coverage.
Spanish journalist Ruth Bas a, name misspelled in some outlets as Ruth Basa, has accused Gerard Depardieu of a sexual assault dating back to 1995. The allegations have intensified scrutiny around the actor and raised questions about accountability and timing in public discourse. Attribution was given to ongoing reporting from multiple outlets that have covered the evolving story.
Depardieu has faced multiple controversies this year, including the withdrawal of France’s highest honor, the Legion of Honor, amid criticism directed at remarks about women. The decision stemmed from a documentary segment that featured a trip to North Korea, during which depictions included remarks judged as offensive toward women and a young girl. The episode sparked debate about respect, public discourse, and the consequences of offhand remarks in a global media environment.
Earlier statements cited by various sources have referenced past interactions and comments involving the actor, prompting discussions about accountability, media ethics, and how reputational consequences are weighed against artistic work. The overall situation highlights the tension between criticizing public figures and upholding the rights of individuals to due process, as discussed in analyses by legal experts and media scholars alike. Attribution: reporting from international outlets and editorial commentary within the period following the documentary and related interviews.