Thirteen women have accused French actor Gerard Depardieu of sexually inappropriate behavior, according to an investigation by French outlet Mediapart.
Over the course of several months, Mediapart gathered a series of allegations from a slew of entertainment industry cast and crew who accused Depardieu of sexual misconduct. The allegations are linked to at least 11 films and television shows produced between 2004 and 2022.
Depardieu has faced scrutiny since 2020, when actress Charlotte Arnould accused him of raping her. He denied the charge, and the case remains ongoing in French courts, Deadline reported.
French Actor Gerard Depardieu Maintains Innocence After Being Charged In Alleged Rape, Sexual Assault Case https://t.co/ysea0ohlH4
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) February 25, 2021
Arnould’s accusations are not part of the 13 more recent testimonies gathered by Mediapart. “Besides the complaint from Charlotte Arnould, we have gathered 13 accounts from women who say they were subjected to sexually inappropriate jests or proposals by the famous actor, of differing levels of gravity,” the outlet noted.
A number of directors and producers involved in the projects listed by Mediapart have denied any knowledge of Depardieu’s alleged actions, but detailed accounts provided to Mediapart suggest that the industry has repeatedly turned a blind eye to Depardieu’s alleged misbehavior.
“Across the different accounts, the same scene seemed to repeat itself. They are actresses, make-up artists and crew members,” the report noted. “They attest to have been subjected to a hand on their buttock, between the legs, or on their thighs or stomach; as well as obscene sexual propositions, and sometimes insistent groaning.” (RELATED: REPORT: Four Men Sentenced For Drugging And Raping Each Others Wives In Singapore)
Many accusers said they did not come forward with their accusations sooner for fear of being ostracized by the industry. The incidents were also said to have been largely brushed off as a normal part of Depardieu’s behavior, Mediapart reported.
