Gérard Depardieu claims he’s ‘neither a rapist, nor a predator’ in first comments on allegations

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy French actor Gérard Depardieu, who was indicted in 2020 on rape and sexual assault charges, has claimed he’s “neither a rapist, nor a predator” in an open letter. “To the media court, to the lynching that has been reserved for me, I have only my word to defend myself.” While he did not name Arnould, Depardieu alluded to her accusations, saying: “Today, I can no longer sing Barbara because a woman who wanted to sing Barbara with me accused me of rape. Médiapart reported that the accusations against Depardieu involve unwanted touching and groping of young female stars, make-up artists and technical staff, as well as obscene sexual remarks and “persistent groaning noises”. It was reported that some other colleagues would turn a blind eye to Depardieu’s alleged behaviour, or laugh it off, saying: “Oh, it’s OK, it’s Gérard!” Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse.