In France, a declaration circulated among cultural circles as 50 prominent figures signed a letter in defense of Gerard Depardieu amid sexual harassment allegations, with RTL radio reporting that the public letter gathered support from a broad array of artists and bohemians who stand by the actor during this sensitive period.
Depardieu described the act of signing as a courageous gesture by those who chose to speak up, noting in remarks that he views the signatories as showing moral backbone. He also welcomed the public release of the letter, adding that he did not solicit anyone to add their name to the statement and that the process remained voluntary and reflective of individual judgment.
Earlier, fellow artist Pierre Richard and singer Carla Bruni voiced their support for Depardieu as accusations of sexual harassment continued to circulate. The piece published by Le Figaro presented the letter as a collective show of solidarity, asserting that the writers reject the idea of a public lynching and the hatred that can accompany such debates, while emphasizing their stance on due process and fair consideration of the facts.
The letter characterizes Depardieu as one of the great figures of French cinema and describes him as a lasting, almost sacred giant within the art form. It argues that the presumption of innocence should be upheld and expresses hope that justice will determine the appropriate course of action. Additionally, the letter draws attention to Depardieu’s enduring influence on French culture and his notable contribution to the history of art, portraying him as an integral part of the nation’s creative narrative whose work continues to shape and enrich it.
In a separate note, it is mentioned that the actor once starred in the Fast and Furious franchise, while the current discussion centers on broader questions of conduct and accountability rather than on career milestones alone.