Gerard Depardieu is greater than only a family identify in France.
The actor has starred in over 200 movies – he is the face of French cinema for all generations.
As he entered a crowded court docket on Monday in Paris, dressed all in black, he became each and every head within the room.
The 76-year-old limped against the entrance benches, propping himself up on court docket furnishings alongside the way in which.
Symbol: Gerard Depardieu pictured at court docket in Paris on Monday. Pic: Reuters
It was once the primary day of a tribulation anticipated to ultimate two or 3 days.
The actor faces fees of sexually assaulting two ladies at the set of French film Les Volets Verts (The Inexperienced Shutters) in 2021 – allegations he denies.
Round 100 protesters from France’s #MeToo motion got here to turn their improve outdoor the court docket for the alleged sufferers.
Throughout the court docket, there was once a visual presence of Depardieu’s supporters.
Enthusiasts of the celebrity took up public seats within the chamber, in addition to French A-list actors Vincent Perez and Fanny Ardant, the latter confirming she would testify as a witness for the defence.
Symbol: Fanny Ardant is ready to testify as a witness for the defence. Pic: Reuters
All through the listening to, Depardieu again and again confronted the alleged sufferers and regarded them within the eyes, nodding throughout the outlet arguments delivered by means of his attorneys.
Electrical exchanges
There have been electrical exchanges between the prison groups, because the actor’s attorney Jeremie Assous asked the case be withdrawn because of a loss of proof and witnesses equipped by means of the prosecution.
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The attorneys for the prosecution, in flip, complained that the profile of Depardieu gave him an unfair benefit, criticising the pass judgement on for permitting the defence virtually two hours for his or her opening commentary.
Symbol: Anouk Grinberg talks to newshounds outdoor the court docket. Pic: AP
Tempers flared throughout the listening to, with actress Anouk Grinberg, who had come to turn improve for the alleged sufferers, ejected from the chamber for contempt.
The trial continues, with Depardieu anticipated to talk on Tuesday.
