PARIS – The family of Gerard Depardieu on Sunday denounced an “unprecedented conspiracy” against the French film star, charged with rape and facing new scrutiny over sexist comments.
Mounting accusations of sexual harassment, as well as newly released footage of Depardieu making obscene comments, are forcing a fresh debate about sexism and sexual violence in French cinema.
Culture Minister Rima Abdul-Malak said this week that the 74-year-old actor’s behaviour shames France, noting that he might also be stripped of the Legion of Honour, the country’s top award.
“Of course, we are often shocked by Gerard’s comments, but our father/grandfather/uncle is being the target of an unprecedented conspiracy,” several members of his family, including his daughter, actress Julie Depardieu, said in a letter published in France’s flagship Sunday newspaper, Le Journal du Dimanche…
