French actor’s sexual assault charges dropped due to technicality

A sexual assault case against French actor Gerard Depardieu, was dismissed due to a legal technicality, according to Russia Today and agencies.

The Parisian public prosecutor’s office revealed that as the case was filed in September 2023, it was out with the statute of limitations, and therefore Depardieu could not be prosecuted.

The dismissed case concerned Depardieu’s alleged and repeated groping of actress, Helen Darras whilst on the ‘Disco’ film set in 2007.

Darras told AFP that she “could no longer remain silent”, and that the dismissal of the case was of no surprise to her.

Despite the dropped charges against Depardieu, Darras hoped that her decision to file the case contributes towards positive change in the justice system.

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“If my testimony enables the justice system to make progress on the complaints that are not constrained by time, or if it allows other victims to speak out… all of this will not be in vain,”

Although 16 women have come forward with sexual assault and rape allegations against the now 75-year-old actor, former French president Emmanuel Macron’s support for Depardieu remains undeterred. Macron has faced criticism from women’s rights groups after suggesting that Depardieu should be considered innocent until proven guilty, given his status.

Actress Charlotte Arnould’s lawsuit filed against Depardieu for rape is still on-going.

Over 50 French celebrities have signed an open letter in December 2023 urging the “torrent of hatred” for Depardieu to end.

Depardieu denies all allegations made against him.

RT/AFP