Gerard Depardieu is more than just a household name in France.
The actor has starred in over 200 films – he’s the face of French cinema for all generations.
As he entered a crowded court on Monday in Paris, dressed all in black, he turned every head in the room.
The 76-year-old limped towards the front benches, propping himself up on court furniture along the way.
It was the first day of a trial expected to last two or three days.
The actor faces charges of sexually assaulting two women on the set of French movie Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters) in 2021 – allegations he denies.
Around 100 protesters from France’s #MeToo movement came to show their support outside the court for the alleged victims.
Inside the court, there was a visible presence of Depardieu’s supporters.
Fans of the star took up public seats in the chamber, as well as French A-list actors Vincent Perez and Fanny Ardant, the latter confirming she would testify as a witness for the defence.
Fanny Ardant is set to testify as a witness for the defence. Pic: Reuters
Throughout the hearing, Depardieu repeatedly faced the alleged victims and looked them in the eyes, nodding during the opening arguments delivered by his lawyers.
Electric exchanges
There were electric exchanges between the legal teams, as the actor’s lawyer Jeremie Assous requested the case be withdrawn due to a lack of evidence and witnesses provided by the prosecution.
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The lawyers for the prosecution, in turn, complained that the profile of Depardieu gave him an unfair advantage, criticising the judge for allowing the defence almost two hours for their opening statement.
Anouk Grinberg talks to reporters outside the courtroom. Pic: AP
Tempers flared during the hearing, with actress Anouk Grinberg, who had come to show support for the alleged victims, ejected from the chamber for contempt.
The trial continues, with Depardieu expected to speak on Tuesday.
