In a shocking new documentary, renowned French actor Gérard Depardieu is seen making obscene remarks about women, shedding light on allegations of his sexual misconduct. The program, which aired on Thursday, captures Depardieu’s sex-obsessed behavior during a shoot in North Korea back in 2018. While discussing his weight, he crudely states his kilos with and without an erection, as well as making explicit comments about women’s enjoyment of horseback riding. This documentary, part of the Complément d’Enquête series on France 2, supports recent accusations made by multiple women in the film industry against Depardieu, who is currently under investigation on suspicion of rape and sexual assault.
The documentary paints a disturbing picture of Depardieu’s behavior on set, alleging a sexualized atmosphere whenever he was present. Women spoke out about being the target of his innuendos and how a silent complicity prevailed due to his status in the industry. It is crucial to note that Depardieu denies the allegations, claiming that the sexual encounters were consensual. However, these claims have been met with skepticism, leading to a re-opening of the investigation into his alleged crimes.
According to reports, Depardieu was first accused of rape and sexual assault by actress Charlotte Arnould in 2020, and despite the initial dropping of charges due to insufficient evidence, they were reopened following an appeal. Another case emerged three months ago when actress Hélène Darras accused Depardieu of groping her in 2007 while on the set of the film Disco. The prosecutor’s office is considering dropping this case due to its age.
Depardieu’s controversial past, including his claims of being involved in “rapes” as a young boy, is also revisited in the documentary. Although two of his childhood friends have confirmed the presence of non-consensual sex during that time, his brother Alain dismisses these stories as exaggerated. These revelations add another layer of complexity to the already contentious allegations against the actor.
Women’s rights activists and feminists have long targeted Depardieu, especially in the wake of the #MeToo movement. In April, a detailed online investigation by Médiapart published testimonies from 13 women, some of whom preferred to remain anonymous, accusing Depardieu of inappropriate behavior. These accusations led to public pressure, resulting in the cancellation of his planned appearances. In response, Depardieu penned an open letter to Le Figaro in October, claiming, “I am not a rapist or a predator,” while acknowledging his provocative and controversial persona.
The release of this documentary has sparked outrage and reinvigorated discussions about accountability within the entertainment industry. It forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about the prevalence of sexual misconduct and the culture of silence that often perpetuates it. By shedding light on Depardieu’s alleged actions and the experiences of the women who came forward, this documentary serves as a catalyst for necessary conversations about consent, power dynamics, and the urgent need for systemic change.
Moving forward, it is crucial to ensure that proper investigations are conducted with a focus on justice and providing a safe space for survivors to share their stories. It is essential to hold individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their status or influence in society. Additionally, efforts must be made to actively address and dismantle the toxic environments that enable such behavior to persist.
This documentary serves as a wake-up call to the film industry and society as a whole, urging us to reevaluate our values, challenge harmful norms, and work towards creating a culture of respect, consent, and accountability. Only through collective action can we hope to create a safer and more inclusive world for all.
