Film star Gérard Depardieu today denied the charges for sexual attack that could see him in prison for up to five years.
The 76-year-old looked tired and brittle on Monday when he appeared at the Correctional Court in Paris at the opening of a controversial criminal proceedings.
“I want to make a statement in advance and then answer the questions from the court,” said Depardieu, who made his name in Hitfilms, including Green Card, Cyrano de Bergerac and the last metro.
In the meantime, his lawyer said that the charges were part of a 'poor manhunt' against the 'holy monster' of the French cinema.
Sitting a few meters away from Depardieu, who wore a black suit and Nike trainers, were the two claimants: Amélie, a permanent designer of 54 years, and Sarah, a 34-year-old assistant producer.
Both said they were repeatedly attacked by Depardieu while filming the green shutters (Les Volets Verts) in 2021.
Jeremie Assous, for Depardieu, said that their claims should be rejected because of a failed investigation.
Mr Assous called the honesty of the complainants and said, “The mission had to be fulfilled – to get the Holy Monster, Gérard Depardieu.”
The French actor Gérard Depardieu has denied the charges of sexual abuse because he is confronted behind bars for up to five years
The 76-year-old looked tired and brittle on Monday when he appeared at the correctional court in Paris at the opening of a controversial criminal trial
Mr Assous said that witnesses were all part of a 'poor manhunt' and that the process had to be canceled.
“In this process we have proof that most basic principles have been trampled by the judicial police officer who is responsible for this case, as by the public prosecutor,” said Mr. Assous.
He added: “Today a complaint for sexual violence disrupts you, it kills you socially.”
In turn, lawyers accused Mr Assous for holding tactics for the complainants and said that the process should continue.
Carine Durrieu-Diebolt, for Amélie, said that the defense arguments' presented today are inadmissible.
Amélie told the French media that it felt as if he was in a 'wolf trap' when Depardieu initiated parts of her body and had her verbally abused.
It was only due to guards who removed Depardieu that the attacks were not worse, she claims.
Sarah, the second claimant, says she was being molested three times, with Depardieu grabbed her buttocks and breasts.
Depardieu will also be on trial at a later time for alleged rape of the French actress Charlotte Arnould (photo)
Court artist Sketch shows Depardieu (right) and his lawyer Jeremie Assous (center)
Anouk Grinberg, 62, an actress who appeared in the green shutters, is one of those who have supported such accounts.
The case was postponed in October, when a lawyer for Depardieu said that he “was in a lot of pain, both psychologically and physically” because of diabetes and a serious heart condition.
During the current process in the 10th Chamber of the Correctional Court, the hearings are limited to six hours, where Depardieu regularly allowed breaks and permission to nibble on energy bars.
He has also gained access to a private toilet and a rest room and can check his smartphone for blood sugar games.
Depardieu was first placed in police detention on April 29, last year, accused of the sexual attacks, and then saved to appear in court, where he is in prison for up to five years and a fine of € 75,000 (£ 62,000).
Depardieu is also on trial at a later date for alleged rape of the French actress Charlotte Arnould, 29.
Mrs. Arnould has renounced her right to legal anonymity and said that there are video images of her who performs a sex attack on Depardieu in his country house in Paris.
He claims that the sex was consensual and denies two counts of rape and sexual abuse against Mrs. Arnould.
Lawyer Carine Durrieu-Diebolt (photo), for Amélie, said that the defense arguments presented today are inadmissible '
Her decision to become public led to a maximum of 15 women who reported Depardieu for alleged crimes that could also end in court.
Last month it was also announced that Depardieu is under criminal investigation for tax fraud and money laundering.
The national financial officer of France said on Monday that an investigation was first started last year in the finances of Depardieu.
Sexual attacks are currently a huge problem in France, thanks to the #MeToo movement that emphasizes crimes of rich and powerful men, including actors, athletes and other celebrities.
A year ago, French President Emmanuel Macron led anger by defending Mr Depardieu.
Macron appeared in a TV chatshow and said that he dismissed the actor who was subjected to 'a manhunt'.
The current Depardieu test is mentioned for two days, although the verdict can be remembered until later in the year.
