Gerard Depardieu’s trial on sexual assault charges set to begin in France

Gerard Depardieu was expected in a French court, with a trial over his alleged sexual assaults on a film set due to begin.

French actor Gerard Depardieu was expected in court Monday, with a trial over his alleged sexual assaults on a film set due to begin in a case that places one of the world’s best known movie stars at the heart of France’s broader reckoning over sexual violence.

A towering figure of French cinema, Depardieu has faced a growing number of sexual assault allegations in recent years. Depardieu, 76, has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and this would be the first case for which he would be standing trial.

“He has obviously denied it from the beginning,” Depardieu’s lawyer, Jeremie Assous, said on French radio RMC on Monday morning.

Assous said the actor would be present at the trial, which is expected to last up to three days, after the postponement of an initial hearing last October due to Depardieu’s ill health.

“Like any person facing trial, he has the right to speak. He will finally speak,” Assous said.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/gerard-depardieu-trial-sexual-assault-charges-france-rcna197738

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