Retaining France’s highest accolade is important, according to the French president. Image: AFP
Emmanuel Macron faces criticism from feminists after defending Gérard Depardieu.
Since Emmanuel Macron defended Gérard Depardieu, many feminists in France have voiced their disapproval.
According to President Macron, Depardieu is the subject of a “manhunt” and the greatest medal bestowed by France, the Legion of medal, should not be taken away from him, he said in an interview.
Thirteen women have accused Depardieu of sexual assault or harassment, and a documentary showing him making sexually explicit comments was released earlier this month.
He states categorically that he is innocent.
Macron praised Depardieu as “a great actor” who “makes France proud” during his Wednesday interview with French television.
Depardieu was filmed this month in a documentary making inappropriate comments about a 10-year-old child and harassing a translator.
As a result, on December 13th, the Premier of Quebec revoked Depardieu’s National Order distinction from the Canadian province.
“Not there to do any moralizing,” Mr. Macron remarked of Depardieu’s 1996 award of France’s highest accolade, the Legion of accolade.
That Depardieu shouldn’t have the Legion taken away from him because of “reports” was his last point.
Jurors in 2020 began looking at allegations of sexual assault and rape against Depardieu.
Thirteen women also accused him of sexual harassment or assault in April. He has vehemently refuted each and every accusation.
The president’s defense of the actor, according to Green Party MP Sandrine Rousseau, insulted victims of sexual violence.
As she stated on French radio, “Someone who sexualize a 10-year-old child does not make a country proud.”
Paris Greens councilor Raphaëlle Rémy-Leleu stated that victims of sexual assault “will never mean as much as a man’s supposed reputation” unless Depardieu is punished.
The president, she claimed, was betraying French women.
President Macron has declared that achieving gender parity would be his top priority.
The outcomes of his administration, however, have dissatisfied feminist organizations, they claim.
His measures were described as “insufficient” and as having failed to address a “profoundly sexist system” in a study that was released in 2022.
In 2020, despite two rape accusations, Mr. Macron appointed Gérald Darmanin to the position of interior minister, drawing criticism from feminist groups as well.
No criminal charges have ever been brought against Mr. Darmanin. In 2022, the case that Sophie Patterson-Spatz had filed against him was rejected.
France now has its second female prime minister, Élisabeth Borne, who was nominated by Mr. Macron last year.