French President Emmanuel Macron is facing mounting backlash for showing support for film star Gérard Depardieu, who is accused of sexual assault and sexism.
Former French President François Hollande on Thursday criticized Macron’s recent statements to the France 5 TV channel, in which he praised Depardieu’s contribution to filmmaking.
“It was expected of the President of the Republic to talk about women, and not simply to say that Gérard Depardieu was a great actor,” Hollande told French radio France Inter. “He has made this cause the big deal of his five-year term and this is how he is dealing with the issue of Gérard Depardieu.”
On Wednesday, Macron said he was a “great admirer” of Depardieu, a “great actor” who makes France “proud.” He also said he didn’t want Depardieu stripped of his Légion d’Honneur (Legion of Honor), the country’s highest order of merit.
But his comments sparked ire in France.
Depardieu was charged with rape in 2020 and faces a dozen accusations of sexual harassment or assault. He has denied any wrongdoing, but a recently released documentary featuring the actor making obscene remarks and sexualizing a young girl has caused fresh outrage.
Hollande called out Macron on Thursday for saying nothing about the “women who have been attacked, humiliated,” and for choosing instead to cite the actor’s “talent” and “presumption of innocence.”
A scathing op-ed published on the website of the Elle fashion magazine on behalf of the editorial staff also slams Macron for his statements.
“No, Mr. President, we’re not proud. Not of Gérard Depardieu. Not of your words,” the op-ed declares.
“Emmanuel Macron, who no longer cares about being re-elected, has revealed his true face: that of a man who sides with predators; that of a president who made us believe in his commitment to women in order to better betray them,” Elle’s staff added.
