Gerard Depardieu broadcasts he’ll RETIRE from performing as he denies sexual assault fees
French film star Gérard Depardieu announced his retirement from cinema acting today as he fought sex assault charges that could see him imprisoned for up to five years.
The 76-year-old made the announcement from the dock on Tuesday as he was cross-examined on the second day of his criminal trial at the Paris Correctional Court.
Referring to the late French singer Monique Serf – who used the stage name Barbara – Depardieu blamed feminism for his demise.
‘I’m very comfortable with Barbara’s songs, but I’m much less so in this new society,’ said Depardieu, who made his name in classic movies such as The Last Metro and Green Card.
‘I think my time is up,’ he added, in the low, husky voice that made him famous to tens of millions, while appearing in around 250 films.
Then he added: ‘Cinema is no longer for me. There comes a time when you have to stop, and I’m stopping.’
He was being cross-examined by Claude Vincent, the female defence barrister of a 34-year-old assistant producer referred to as Sarah.
Together with Amélie, a set designer aged 54, Sarah accuses Depardieu of repeated sex assaults during the filming of The Green Shutters (Les Volets Verts) in 2021.
French film star Gérard Depardieu announced his retirement from cinema acting from the dock on Tuesday as he was cross-examined on the second day of his criminal trial at the Paris Correctional Court
Court sketch of Depardieu l in which he is accused of sexually abusing two women during a film shoot in 2021
Both women are not being referred to by their full name in court, for legal reasons.
At one point Maître Vincent – as barristers are referred to in France – objected to being called ‘Miss’ instead of ‘Maître’ by Depardieu.
Depardieu snapped at her: ‘I didn’t hear the question, Miss, speak clearly!’
After Maître Vincent berated the actor, he apologised.
Depardieu also said: ‘I’m sorry. I defend freedom of speech, I defend femininity, but I’m not used to having women in a form of hysteria asking for I don’t know what.’
Depardieu also referred to the Napoleonic female philosopher Anne Louise De Staël-Holstein, saying: ‘If it’s to seek some kind of glory, I’d take on Madame de Staël.’
Depardieu also claimed he was too old and fat to sexually assault anyone on one of his film sets, while admitting: ‘People say I’m a real creep.’
Referencing the late French serial killer Émile Louis, he said: ‘I’m not going to have fun at 76, or at 130 kilos [20.4 stone].
Depardieu also claimed he was too old and fat to sexually assault anyone on one of his film sets, while admitting: ‘People say I’m a real creep’
Amélie (pictured) said that it felt like being in a ‘wolf trap’ when Depardieu grabbed initimate parts of her body, and verbally abused her
‘I’m unhappy enough. I’m not going to touch anyone’s butt, not on a set or anywhere else. I’m not Émile Louis.’
He continued: ‘I don’t see why I would enjoy groping a woman, touching her buttocks, her breasts. Groping is what kids do.
‘I’m not a masturbator on the subway. I’ve been told he exists. I don’t see what pleasure anyone could derive from it. There are a lot of vices I really don’t know anything about.’
And he admitted: ‘After what I’ve read about myself over the past three years, there’s no need to interpret. People say I’m a real creep.’
He said he had been particularly shocked by ‘Depardieu rapist’ posters he saw in Marseille.
But Amélie said that it felt like being in a ‘wolf trap’ when Depardieu grabbed initimate parts of her body, and verbally abused her.
It was only thanks to security guards pulling Depardieu away that the assaults were not worse, she alleges.
Sarah, the second plaintiff, said she was molested three times, with Depardieu grabbing her buttocks and breasts.
Sarah (pictured), the second plaintiff, said she was molested three times, with Depardieu grabbing her buttocks and breasts
Referring to the late French singer Monique Serf (pictured) – who used the stage name Barbara – Depardieu blamed feminism for his demise. ‘I’m very comfortable with Barbara’s songs, but I’m much less so in this new society,’ said Depardieu
Anouk Grinberg, 62, an actress who appeared in The Green Shutters, is among those who have backed such accounts.
The case was adjourned in October, when a lawyer for Depardieu said he was ‘in great pain, both psychologically and physically,’ because of diabetes and a serious heart condition.
Depardieu was first placed in police custody on April 29th last year, accused of the sexual assaults, and then bailed to appear in court, where he faces up to five years in prison, and a €75,000 (£62,000) fine.
Depardieu is also set to stand trial at a later date for allegedly raping French actress Charlotte Arnould, 29.
Her decision to go public led to up to 15 women reporting Depardieu for alleged crimes that could also end up in court.
It was also announced last month that Depardieu is under criminal investigation for tax fraud and money laundering.
Sexual attacks are a huge issue in France right now, thanks to the #MeToo movement highlighting crimes by rich and powerful men, including actors, sportsmen, and other celebrities.
A year ago, French President Emmanuel Macron sparked fury by defending Mr Depardieu.
Mr Macron appeared on a TV chat show and said he detested the actor being subjected to ‘a manhunt’.
The current Depardieu trial is listed for two to three days, although the verdict may be withheld until later in the year.
The trial continues.
