The assaults are said to have taken place during the filming of the movie "Les volet verts" in 2021. One of the women, a 55-year-old props master, is said to have been subjected to sexual assaults and harassment and sexist insults. The other woman, an assistant director, claims that Depardieu subjected her to sexual violence.
The 75-year-old's lawyer says that Depardieu "plans to appear in court".
"No special treatment"
"I expect the justice system to be equal for everyone, and that Depardieu will not receive any special treatment because he is an artist" says the 55-year-old plaintiff's lawyer before the trial.
Depardieu, on the other hand, has accused the woman of trying to "make money" by demanding 30,000 euros, equivalent to approximately 340,000 kronor, in damages.
The props master has told the newspaper Mediapart about how Depardieu, on one occasion, held her fast, "wrapped his legs" around her, touched her stomach, waist, and up towards her breasts. At the same time, he is said to have said obscene things. Depardieu's bodyguards dragged him away while he said "we'll see each other again, my dear", according to the woman.
20 different women
In total, around 20 women have accused Depardieu of various sexual offenses. Two other investigations are ongoing regarding rape and sexual assaults. Depardieu denies the crimes.
The repeated accusations against Depardieu have become a dividing line in France, where feminist groups are pitted against the actor's defenders. President Emmanuel Macron, among others, has considered that the film star has become the target of a "witch hunt", and called Depardieu "a great actor" who "makes France proud".
Correction: In an earlier version, the incorrect amount of damages in Swedish kronor was stated.
