Several dozen artists have expressed their support in connection with rape allegations against French actor Gérard Depardieu.
In an open letter in the daily newspaper “Le Figaro” they complained about “lynching” and a “disregard for the presumption of innocence.” Signatories include actress Charlotte Rampling and musician and former French first lady Carla Bruni.
The artists criticized the flood of hate that has poured over the award-winning actor. “If you attack Gérard Depardieu in this way, you are attacking art,” the letter said. France owes him a lot.
Depardieu has been under investigation since 2020 because of the rape allegation. Another lawsuit against him for sexual abuse has been pending since mid-September. The incident is said to have occurred in 2007. He may also face exclusion from the Legion of Honor.
Several women have accused the well-known actor, who has appeared in over 200 films, of, among other things, sexual violence. Depardieu completely denies the allegations. In a documentary aired in early December about his trip to North Korea in 2018, Depardieu repeatedly made misogynistic and vulgar comments, for which he received sharp criticism.
