In a powerful display of solidarity, more than 600 prominent figures from the French art and entertainment world have signed a “counter-petition” decrying the support shown for iconic actor Gérard Depardieu amid numerous accusations of sexual assault and rape. This collective condemnation comes as a response to a recent open letter signed by 55 cinema celebrities and President Emmanuel Macron’s public defense of Depardieu on a talk show prior to Christmas. The signatories of the counter-petition argue that such support is a disrespectful affront to all victims of sexual violence and a regressive step in the fight for gender equality.
The counter-petition, posted on the website of investigative news outlet Mediapart, forcefully criticizes the reversal of roles taking place. It condemns Depardieu for portraying himself as a victim while the real victims are undermined, and it highlights the detrimental impact this has on the progress of addressing gender-based and sexual violence. The signatories argue that the presumption of innocence seemingly extends to the aggressor while the women who courageously testify against him face an unfair presumption of lying.
A Coalition of Voices
Among the signatories are not only popular rappers, DJs, and singers but also artists, photographers, and renowned figures from the cinema world. Actors Judith Chemla, Felix Maritaud, Waly Dia, and Louise Chevillotte, as well as director-screenwriter Caroline Deruas, lend their support to this call for justice. The collective outrage among these artists demonstrates a shared commitment to denounce sexual misconduct and shows that the belief in holding individuals accountable is not confined to one industry or field.
A Steep Decline in Reputation
Depardieu’s once-stellar reputation in France has taken a nosedive in recent weeks, triggered by the broadcast of an incriminating episode of the investigative show “Complément d’Enquête.” The program delved into historic accusations of Depardieu’s sexually inappropriate behavior, shedding light on the shadow cast over his legacy. A formal complaint of rape, lodged by actress Charlotte Arnould and dating back to 2018, is currently making its way through the courts. Additionally, multiple accusations of sexual assault against Depardieu have come to the surface since the publication of an extensive exposé by Mediapart last April.
The public outcry against Depardieu reached its peak with the emergence of a counter-petition, released less than a week after the open letter of support for the actor was published on the website of Le Figaro. The signatories of the original letter, including notable figures like Carla Bruni, Charlotte Rampling, Carole Bouquet, Nathalie Baye, and Pierre Richard, aimed to defend Depardieu from what they perceived as a media-driven “lynching.” However, some of these individuals have distanced themselves from the petition due to its connection with far-right politician Eric Zemmour. Carole Bouquet, for instance, expressed discomfort in supporting the journalist responsible for the letter while maintaining her support for Depardieu.
An Act of Redemption
Acknowledging the problematic aspects of the open letter, filmmaker and writer Nadine Trintignant withdrew her support upon discovering that it was written by a journalist associated with far-right politics. Trintignant emphasized that her signing of the letter was an honest mistake, urging those who were shocked by her support to forgive her. Likewise, actor Yvan Attal confessed to his discomfort with the letter, claiming that he signed it as a reaction to the media backlash rather than out of personal support for Depardieu. Attal emphasized the importance of allowing justice to take its course while denouncing the continuous public vilification of an individual.
The condemnation of the media’s role in public opinion formation was a recurring theme among certain signatories. Actor Gérard Darmon, who admitted to not personally knowing Depardieu, defended his decision to sign the original letter as a civic act aimed at countering the pervasive trial by media. He argued that the incessant media coverage, consistently focusing on the ongoing legal case against Depardieu, unjustly undermines the principle of innocent until proven guilty.
A Call for Justice and Equality
The collective response from French artists and entertainment figures serves as a reminder that the fight against sexual violence is ongoing and requires continued action and support. By denouncing the support shown for Depardieu and highlighting the plight of the victims, these signatories are demanding justice and equality for all. Their collective voice sends a powerful message that no one, regardless of their fame or influence, should be immune to accountability in matters of sexual misconduct. Through their united front, these artists strive for a society that recognizes and values the dignity and rights of all individuals.