The family of Gerard Depardieu has denounced what they call an “unprecedented conspiracy” against the French film star. Depardieu was charged with rape in 2020 and is now facing new scrutiny over sexist comments. Mounting accusations of sexual harassment and newly released footage of Depardieu making obscene comments are sparking a fresh debate about sexism and sexual violence in French cinema.
Culture Minister Rima Abdul Malak has stated that the 74-year-old actor’s behavior shames France, and there is a possibility that he may be stripped of the Legion of Honour, the country’s top award, which he received from president Jacques Chirac in 1996.
In a letter published in the Journal du Dimanche newspaper, several members of Depardieu’s family, including his daughter, actress Julie Depardieu, expressed their shock at the accusations and described it as a “terrifying collective insanity”. They defended Depardieu’s character, stating that “in private, with his children, he is an extremely modest, delicate and even prudish person.”
Depardieu has denied any wrongdoing and his family has labeled the recent allegations as a “monstrous manipulation”. They believe Depardieu often likes to provoke but see it as an act, stating that “he plays all the roles, even if it means shocking sensitive souls”. They emphasized that while Depardieu’s behavior might be coarse or “Gallic”, he is not violent, and the damage caused by the accusations is “indescribable”.
Despite the controversy, the culture minister has stated that French people will not stop watching films featuring Depardieu. However, a Belgian municipality has stripped him of the title of honorary citizen, and the Canadian province of Quebec has revoked its top honor over his “scandalous” comments against women. This comes after French President Emmanuel Macron withdrew the Legion of Honour from Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein in 2017 due to sexual harassment and rape allegations.