Editing Gérard Depardieu (section)

===Sexual assault and rape allegations===
In 1991, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine published a translation of a 1978 interview in which Depardieu apparently confirmed a rumour that he first participated in a rape when he was nine years old and that he had participated in more rapes since then. He reportedly stated there were "too many [rapes] to count... There was nothing wrong with it. The girls wanted to be raped. I mean, there's no such thing as rape. It's only a matter of a girl putting herself in a situation where she wants to be." The story re-emerged in 1991.<ref name=WaPo-910320/> On 15 March 1991, Depardieu's American publicist Lois Smith, stated: "He's sorry, but it happened".<ref name=WaPo-910325/> The [[National Organization for Women]] requested an apology from Depardieu.<ref name=WaPo-910320>{{cite news|last=Mann|first=Judy|date=20 March 1991|title=How Do We Handle The Rapist-Turned-Heartthrob?|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1991/03/20/how-do-we-handle-the-rapist-turned-heartthrob/8041adab-cb2f-4d2a-ab01-c94f5f0c1b01/|url-status=live|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703115948/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1991/03/20/how-do-we-handle-the-rapist-turned-heartthrob/8041adab-cb2f-4d2a-ab01-c94f5f0c1b01/|archive-date=3 July 2016|access-date=7 November 2021}}</ref> Later that month, Depardieu's French publicist Claude Devy discounted the statements made by Smith, and Depardieu threatened legal action against any media outlet that published the comments.<ref name=WaPo-910325>{{cite news|last=Drozdiak|first=William|date=25 March 1991|title=Depardieu Denies Rape Comment|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1991/03/25/depardieu-denies-rape-comment/e2dd2716-bb0e-4048-aeb7-80ae527c2248/|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=7 November 2021}}</ref> Depardieu's team said that ''Time'' had mistranslated the word "''assister''" as "participate", when a more accurate translation would be "attend" or "be witness to".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-04-08 |title=Cyrano de Bergerac sur France 2 à 14h : quel scandale a empêché Depardieu de décrocher un Oscar ? |url=https://www.allocine.fr/article/fichearticle_gen_carticle=18689143.html |access-date=2024-09-01 |website=AlloCiné |language=fr}}</ref> ''Time'' refused to retract the story and claimed that Depardieu had told them he had "participated" in the rapes.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Zoglin|first=Richard|date=24 June 2001|title=L'Affaire Gerard Depardieu|url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,156769,00.html|url-status=live|magazine=Time|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211107004634/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,156769,00.html|archive-date=7 November 2021|access-date=7 November 2021}}</ref> At that time, Depardieu received support from the French media, who said he was being unfairly treated and blamed American "puritanism". As a result, his career in France did not suffer and the controversy was forgotten over time by the French general public.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-03-11  |title=En 1991, Depardieu essuyait déjà une tempête en raison de ses propos sur le viol |url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/cinema/en-1991-depardieu-essuyait-deja-une-tempete-en-raison-de-ses-propos-sur-le-viol-20220310|access-date=2025-05-15 |website=Dexerto |language=fr}}</ref>

In August 2018, Depardieu was accused of sexual assault and rape by a 22-year-old actress and dancer.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Ryan|first=Lisa|date=30 August 2018|url=https://www.thecut.com/2018/08/gerard-depardieu-rape-accusation-report.html|title=French Actor Gérard Depardieu Accused of Rape|magazine=The Cut|access-date=25 February 2021|url-access=limited}}</ref> The actress reported being assaulted twice by Depardieu in his home during rehearsal sessions. The unnamed actress made her statement to police in [[Lambesc]], southern France, after which the case was passed to prosecutors in the capital. Depardieu denied the allegations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-45360902|title=Gérard Depardieu: French actor accused of rape|date=30 August 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=25 February 2021}}</ref> In 2019, the charges were dropped after a nine-month police investigation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Giordano|first=Chiara|date=4 June 2019|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/gerard-depardieu-rape-allegations-evidence-accusations-a8944491.html|title=Gerard Depardieu rape case dropped after nine months because of lack of evidence|work=The Independent|access-date=25 February 2021}}</ref> The case was reopened in October 2020 after his accuser refiled the complaint.<ref>{{Cite news|date=28 October 2020|title=Gérard Depardieu rape investigation to be reopened|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|agency=Agence France-Presse|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/oct/28/gerard-depardieu-investigation-to-be-reopened|access-date=28 October 2020|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> In February 2021, it was announced that French authorities had charged Depardieu with rape in December 2020, stemming from the incident in August 2018. According to Depardieu's lawyer, Hervé Témime, speaking to {{Lang|fr|[[Le Monde]]}}, the actor rejects the allegation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Parker|first=Ryan|date=23 February 2021|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/gerard-depardieu-charged-with-rape-by-french-authorities|title=Gerard Depardieu Charged With Rape by French Authorities|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=23 February 2021}}</ref> In March 2022, the Paris Court of Appeal rejected Depardieu's attempt to have the charges dropped and announced the actor will remain under formal investigation. Following this investigation, the case will either be brought to trial or dismissed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keslassy |first=Elsa |date=10 March 2022 |title=Gerard Depardieu Loses Appeal to Have Rape Charges Dropped, Remains Under Formal Investigation |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/global/gerard-depardieu-rape-charges-investigation-1235200827/ |website=Variety}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iodonna.it/attualita/costume-e-societa/2023/12/13/gerard-depardieu-suicida-accusatrice-emmanuelle-debever-molestie-sessuali-senna/|title=Suicida l'attrice Emmanuelle Debever, accusatrice di Gerard Depardieu|date=13 December 2023 |publisher=iodonna.it}}</ref>

In April 2023, 13 women accused Depardieu of sexual assault and sexual harassment pertaining to incidents that occurred between 2004 and 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 April 2023 |title=French actor Gérard Depardieu accused of sexual assault: Report |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/french-actor-gerard-depardieu-accused-of-sexual-assault-report/ |access-date=12 April 2023 |website=Politico |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-66981598|title=Gerard Depardieu denies rape allegations in open letter|date=2 October 2023 |publisher=BBC news}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/dec/07/gerard-depardieu-actor-helene-darras-files-complaint-of-sexual-assault|title=Gérard Depardieu: actor Hélène Darras files complaint of sexual assault|work=The Guardian|date=7 December 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67661185|title=Gérard Depardieu's obscene remarks shown in new documentary|date=8 December 2023 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> On 19 December 2023, {{ill|Ruth Baza|es||fr}}, a Spanish author, photographer and journalist, told ''[[La Vanguardia]]'' that Depardieu had kissed and groped her without her consent in 1995 when she was 23, after she had interviewed him in [[Paris]] for ''Cinemania'' magazine, and that she has filed a complaint.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/dec/19/gerard-depardieu-accused-rape-journalist-spain|title=Gérard Depardieu accused of rape by Spanish journalist and author|work=The Guardian|date=19 December 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://fortune.com/europe/2023/12/24/emmanuel-macron-gerard-depardieu-makes-france-proud-sexual-harassment-assault/?ref=biztoc.com|title=Macron's remarks that Depardieu 'makes France proud' don't sit well with women's rights activists accusing the actor of sexual assault|publisher=Fortune}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/21/movies/gerard-depardieu-emmanuel-macron-sexual-assault.html|title=France's President Condemns 'Manhunt' Against Gérard Depardieu|work=The New York Times|date=21 December 2023 |last1=Breeden |first1=Aurelien }}</ref> Baza explained that her mind blocked out the events due to the severe trauma she experienced, being so young and struggling with chronic anorexia and depression although she was already a respected and experienced correspondent and photographer.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://journal.lepoint.fr/l-affaire-depardieu-2548922|title=L'affaire Depardieu Paria. En prenant la défense de l'acteur, Emmanuel Macron a jeté de l'huile sur le feu. Faut-il effacer Depardieu ? Récit d'une querelle|work=Le Point|date=4 January 2024
|last1=Raya|first1=Aurélie}}</ref> The events remained blocked through the years until the allegations against him emerged in 2023, which had a profound impact on her.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vanityfair.fr/article/gerard-depardieu-vise-par-une-troisieme-plainte-pour-viol-deposee-par-la-journaliste-espagnole-ruth-baza|title=Gérard Depardieu visé par une troisième plainte pour viol déposée par la journaliste espagnole Ruth Baza|date=20 December 2023 |publisher=Vanity Fair}}</ref> She experienced flashbacks as she regained the memories of this traumatic event that her memory had buried, which were corroborated when she discovered and reread the description of the 1995 events in her diary from that year.  The [[Coalition For Women In Journalism]] and Women Press Freedom stood in solidarity with Baza and said, in a statement, that her courage in speaking out about a rape that allegedly occurred nearly 30 years ago is not only commendable but also essential in the ongoing fight against sexual violence and the culture of silence in the media and entertainment industries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.womeninjournalism.org/threats-all/france-spanish-journalist-ruth-baza-files-rape-complaint-against-grard-depardieu|title=France: Spanish Journalist Ruth Baza Files Rape Complaint Against Gérard Depardieu
|newspaper=The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom}}</ref>

Actress [[Emmanuelle Debever]], who had also made allegations against Depardieu, died by suicide on 6 December 2023 after one week in a hospital.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=13 December 2023|title=[VIDEO] Elle s'est suicidée le jour du Complément d'enquête sur Depardieu : Emmanuelle Debever, première accusatrice de l'acteur, est morte|url=https://www.midilibre.fr/2023/12/13/elle-sest-suicidee-le-jour-du-complement-denquete-sur-depardieu-emmanuelle-debever-premiere-accusatrice-de-lacteur-est-morte-11639215.php|website=midilibre.fr}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator -->.</ref> On 25 December 2023, a group of over 50 French actors and other prominent figures including [[Charlotte Rampling]], [[Carla Bruni]], and [[Carole Bouquet]], denounced the "lynching" of Depardieu, in an open letter published in French newspaper ''[[Le Figaro]]''. The group claims the star is the victim of a "torrent of hatred", adding "Gérard Depardieu is probably the greatest of all actors".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/12/depardieu-open-letter-carla-bruni-charlotte-rampling-carole-bouquet-1235681961/|title=Carla Bruni, Charlotte Rampling & Carole Bouquet Sign French Entertainment World Open Letter Decrying "Lynching" Of Gérard Depardieu|date=26 December 2023 |publisher=DEADLINE}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/dec/21/emmanuel-macron-says-gerard-depardieu-is-target-of-manhunt|title=Outrage as Emmanuel Macron says Gérard Depardieu is target of 'manhunt'|work=The Guardian|date=21 December 2023 |last1=Chrisafis |first1=Angelique }}</ref> His former partner Karine Silla defends him.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/01/gerard-depardieu-ex-partner-karine-silla-defends-actor-1235804435/|title=Gérard Depardieu's Ex-Partner Karine Silla Defends Actor: "Gérard Is Not A Sexual Predator'|date=25 January 2024 |publisher=Deadline}}</ref> Some of his colleagues have spoken out against him, including [[Sophie Marceau]], [[Muriel Robin]] and [[Swann Arlaud]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/english/2023/dec/28/rude-and-inappropriate-sophie-marceau-remembers-french-icon-depardieu-2645749.html|title='Rude and inappropriate': Sophie Marceau remembers French icon Depardieu|date=28 December 2023 |publisher=Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.leparisien.fr/faits-divers/apres-avoir-signe-la-tribune-de-soutien-a-gerard-depardieu-lacteur-pierre-richard-prend-finalement-ses-distances-01-01-2024-XD7R76HGPBHEVK4NKKQPZCFXSY.php|title=After signing the column in support of Gérard Depardieu, actor Pierre Richard finally distances himself|date=January 2024 |publisher=Le Parisien}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.midilibre.fr/2023/12/31/affaire-depardieu-un-nouveau-texte-signe-par-plus-de-500-artistes-sen-prend-a-la-tribune-defendant-lacteur-11671543.php|title=Depardieu affair: a new text signed by more than 500 artists attacks the forum defending the actor|publisher=midilibre}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/gerard-depardieus-fall-reveal-dire-state-french-politics/|title=Gérard Depardieu's fall reveals dire state of French politics|date=4 January 2024 |publisher=POLITICO.eu}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/global/gerard-depardieu-allegations-me-too-movement-france-1235862398/|title=Why the Gerard Depardieu Allegations Are Sparking a Watershed Moment for France's #MeToo Movement|date=11 January 2024 |publisher=variety}}</ref> On 29 April 2024, the police detained Depardieu for questioning.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/29/entertainment/gerard-depardieu-arrest-france-scli-intl/index.html|title=French actor Gérard Depardieu in police custody, legal team says|date=29 April 2024 |publisher=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/gerard-depardieu-police-custody-assault-cases-1235885827/|title=Gérard Depardieu in Police Custody for Questioning in Assault Cases (Reports)|date=29 April 2024 |publisher=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/29/entertainment/gerard-depardieu-arrest-france-scli-intl/index.html|title=French actor Gérard Depardieu to face trial over sexual assault allegations|date=29 April 2024 |publisher=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/gerard-depardieu-should-stand-trial-rape-claims-prosecutors-1235981568/|title=Prosecutors Call for Gérard Depardieu to Stand Trial on Rape Allegations|date=22 August 2024 |publisher=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> A trial on two counts of sexual assault was scheduled to begin on 28 October 2024. Depardieu's lawyer said that health concerns meant he was unable to attend court. The trial was rescheduled, and began on 24 March 2025.<ref>{{cite news| author1= Catherine Porter |author2=Ségolène Le Stradic| title= Gérard Depardieu's Sexual Assault Trial in France Is Postponed Until March| url= https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/28/world/europe/gerard-depardieu-sexual-assault-trial.html| work = The New York Times| date= 28 October 2024| access-date = 28 October 2024}}</ref><ref name="guard-23mar2025">{{cite news |last1=Willsher |first1=Kim |title=Gérard Depardieu to appear in Paris court over sexual assault allegations |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/mar/23/gerard-depardieu-to-appear-in-paris-court-over-sexual-assault-allegations |access-date=23 March 2025 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=23 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Chrisafis |first=Angelique |date=2025-03-24 |title=Gérard Depardieu appears in Paris court for trial on sexual assault charges |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/mar/24/gerard-depardieu-paris-court-trial-sexual-assault-charges |access-date=2025-03-25 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Roxborough |first1=Scott |title=Gérard Depardieu Found Guilty of Sexual Assault, Gets 18-Month Suspended Sentence |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/gerard-depardieu-guilty-of-sexual-assault-gets-18-months-1236214962/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=13 May 2025}}</ref>

On 13 May 2025, Depardieu was convicted of the sexual assault of two women after he was found to have groped them on the set of the 2021 film ''[[The Green Shutters]]''. He was handed an 18 month suspended sentence.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-05-13 |title=Gérard Depardieu found guilty in sexual assault trial |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg5v7ny40q2o |access-date=2025-05-13 |work=BBC |language=en-GB }}</ref>