The trial of French film star Gerard Depardieu is set to begin in Paris today on charges of sexually assaulting two women. Depardieu , who has appeared in more than 200 films, is considered an icon of French cinema. He is alleged to have assaulted both women during the making of the film Les Volets Verts in 2021.
If convicted, he could be jailed for up to five years, although it is more likely he would be hit with a combination of a suspended sentence and a large fine. Depardieu has denied the allegations, claiming he has never "abused a woman". He has been offered support by a group of actors and directors, who said that an attack on Depardieu represented "an attack on art itself".
The trial is seen as a huge moment for the growing MeToo movement in France . MeToo, which became well known in America during the Harvey Weinstein rape case, exists to highlight sexual violence against women and to push for more action by authorities. It has often placed a focus on areas such as filmmaking, industries that have long been dominated by men, where a blind eye has frequently been turned to sexual abuse.
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News President Emmanuel Macron described the actor as "the pride of France", sparking an angry response from campaigners who claimed he was undermining efforts to protect women from violence. More on France Man dies after boat deflates crossing Channel, French authorities say Three dead after migrant bo.