Former French President François Hollande has refused to call actor Gerard Depardieu the pride of France amid accusations of rape or sexual harassment against the artist. The former president said this on the radio station France Inter.
“We are not proud of Gerard Depardieu,” Hollande said.
Before reportedIt was stated that Gerard Depardieu was accused of rape or sexual harassment more than once. Young actress Charlotte Arnault said that the actor raped her twice at his home in Paris in 2018. The girl claimed that she came to Depardieu for “rehearsals in an informal setting.”
Depardieu said in an open letter that Arnault came to his home and “went to his bedroom of his own free will.” The actor believes that the girl doesn’t like something, so he files a police complaint against her.
A criminal case was opened against Depardieu but was later closed. However, Arno filed a new complaint. According to Reuters, in March 2022, the court said that the case would not be closed due to the presence of serious evidence.
Charlotte Arnault was one of 13 women who accused Gerard Depardieu of sexual harassment. In April 2023, the French portal Mediapart published an investigation based on their statements. According to the portal, all incidents occurred between 2004 and 2022.
Previously French President Emmanuel Macron spoke He opposed the deprivation of the Legion of Honor of actor Gerard Depardieu, based on media coverage, and called for the preservation of the presumption of innocence.