French Actor Gerard Depardieu's Sexual Assault Trial Opens in Absence

Gerard Depardieu is accused of sexually assaulting two women while shooting the 2021 film "Les Volets Verts". According to prosecutors, he made explicit sexual remarks to and then aggressively groped two members of the movie's production team. If convicted, he could face up to five years in jail. Depardieu, 75, denies the charges, saying he has never abused a woman. His lawyer has asked for the proceedings to be delayed due to the actor's poor health. The trial is currently suspended until March 2025, and it is not clear if Depardieu will be able to attend in person. Depardieu is the highest-profile figure to face accusations in French cinema's #MeToo movement.