Actor Gérard Depardieu Won't Attend Trial Due to Health Concerns

French actor Gérard Depardieu, who is facing trial for allegedly sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021, will not be present at his court hearing in Paris on Monday. His lawyer, Jérémie Assous, has stated that Depardieu's health is not allowing him to attend. The 75-year-old actor has denied any wrongdoing. The assaults are said to have happened on the set of "Les Volets verts" ("The Green Shutters"). One victim, a 53-year-old production designer, claims Depardieu trapped her between his legs and groped her over her clothes. She says the incident affected her personal and professional life for over a year and a half. Another woman working on the same film set also reported being touched inappropriately by Depardieu. Both women were granted leave by psychiatrists following their experiences.Despite these allegations, Depardieu has received support from many, including French President Emmanuel Macron. Last year, a group of French performers, writers, and producers published an essay defending Depardieu, stating that attacks against him are attacks against cinema. Depardieu has faced previous allegations of sexual misconduct, including a 2021 charge of rape and sexual assault. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The trial comes at a time when France is grappling with issues of sexual violence, particularly in the cinema industry.