More than 50 French actors, writers, and producers signed a letter on Tuesday in support of film star Gerard Depardieu, 74 years old, who has faced growing scrutiny over his behavior toward women during his five-decade career, reported AP. This outpouring of support has dismayed advocates for sexual abuse victims.
Depardieu was initially charged with rape and sexual assault in 2020 following allegations by actor Charlotte Arnould, and he has been accused by more than a dozen other women of harassment, groping, or sexual assault. Depardieu denies the accusations.
The letter, published in the conservative-leaning Le Figaro, was signed by notable figures including former first lady and singer Carla Bruni, Depardieu’s former partner Carole Bousquet, and actors Pierre Richard, Charlotte Rampling, and Victoria Abril.
Two dozen of the 56 signatories were women, many of whom are from Depardieu’s generation.
The letter reads, “We cannot remain silent in the face of the lynching targeting him, the torrent of hate being dumped on his person. When Gerard Depardieu is targeted this way, it is the art (of cinema) that is being attacked. France owes him so much. . . . Depriving ourselves of this immense actor would be a drama, a defeat. The death of the art. Our art.”
Depardieu referred to the letter as “beautiful.”
Some critics, such as Paris lawmaker and feminist Raphaëlle Rémy-Leleu, believe the signatories are “denying reality” and should instead support initiatives against sexual violence. Emmanuelle Dancourt, from the #MeTooMedia group, said that the letter’s message is particularly painful for victims of sexual abuse by powerful men.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also faced criticism for showing his pride in Depardieu. Reacting to a segment from the recent documentary where Depardieu made crude sexual comments about a young girl riding a horse which sparked controversy, Macron suggested that the segment could have been edited misleadingly. France Televisions later confirmed its authenticity, however, after a bailiff viewed the raw footage.