Paris court delays Gerard Depardieu’s sex assault trial

AP, PARIS

A criminal court in Paris on Monday postponed the sex assault trial of French actor Gerard Depardieu because of his health concerns, shifting the start of the proceedings to March next year.

Depardieu, who has denied any wrongdoing, is accused of using “violence, coercion, surprise or threat” in the alleged sexual assaults against two women that prosecutors say took place on the set of the film Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters.)

The court also ordered an expert to assess the 75-year-old actor’s health issues.

A protester on Monday holds a sign that reads “Depardieu (by the god), by the king, by the law” outside the Paris courthouse where French actor Gerard Depardieu is to be tried on sexual assault charges.

Photo: AFP

Depardieu’s lawyer Jeremie Assous requested the postponement, saying that the actor has heart trouble and diabetes-related issues.

Assous said doctors had decided that the actor was not well enough to attend the proceedings, although he was eager to appear and defend himself before the court.

“He is anxious to defend himself, because for over three years, a huge number of inaccuracies, false information and lies have been systematically disseminated and relayed,” Assous told reporters. “We’ve only had the word of prosecution. And now, finally, we’re going to be able to have the word of the defense.”

Prosecutors say that in both cases, women reported that the 75-year-old actor trapped them between his legs and groped their buttocks, genitals, chest and breasts over their clothes.

About 100 people gathered outside the court on Monday, some holding signs, responding to a call from several groups to show support for people targeted by sexual violence.


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