Macron Defends Gérard Depardieu Amid Rape Charges, Causing Controversy

The French President's support for the actor, facing multiple accusations of sexual assault, has intensified the debate in French cinema and society.

Gérard Depardieu, a renowned French actor, is facing charges of rape and multiple accusations of sexual assault, causing a major split in French cinema and wider society.
President Emmanuel Macron has publicly defended Depardieu, praising his contributions to French cinema and condemning what he calls a 'manhunt' against the actor.
A petition supporting Depardieu, signed by several notable figures including former French first lady Carla Bruni, has sparked controversy and led to counter-petitions denouncing the actor's behavior.
Depardieu's behavior has led to his wax sculpture being removed from the Musée Grevin in Paris, and Swiss public broadcaster RTS has halted the broadcast of films where he plays a leading role.
Macron's defense of Depardieu has been criticized as a lack of empathy for the plaintiffs and a tin-eared attitude on issues of gender violence.