Depardieu sparks #MeToo moment in French cinema

PARIS – For more than a year after rape allegations against French actor Gerard Depardieu, the film industry shrugged its shoulders and the cinematic legend with more than 200 titles to his name continued working.

But the tide appears to be slowly turning.

Mounting accusations of sexual harassment, as well as newly released footage of him making obscene comments, are finally forcing a debate about sexism and sexual violence in French cinema.

In October the 74-year-old actor, known outside France for 1990 comedy “Green Card” and Netflix series “Marseille“, had to put his career on hold.

Six years after the start of the #MeToo movement in Hollywood that brought down producer Harvey Weinstein, the campaign has picked up momentum in France.

“There will be an after-Depardieu, that much is clear,” activist Laura Pertuy said.

“At all levels, in all generations, people are…