Nearly 60 French actors and other prominent figures complained the “lynching” of the French actor, Gérard Depardieu, who is accused of rape and sexual assault.

An open letter signed by British actress Charlotte Rampling, former French first lady Carla Bruni and Depardieu’s ex-partner actress Carole Bouquet speaks of a “drain of hate”.

“Gérard Depardieu is, perhaps, the greatest of all actors”refers to the letter published in the French newspaper “Le Figaro” on Christmas Day.

Depardieu, who has made more than 200 films and TV series, was accused of rape in 2020, and there are allegations from at least 12 women that the actor sexually harassed and assaulted him.

Despite the fact that there is no court order against him, many have been quick to distance themselves from the actor in recent days. In the letter, his supporters wrote: “We can no longer remain silent in the face of the lynching he faces”.

The letter states that Depardieu is being attacked “despite the presumption of innocence from which he would have benefited, like everyone else, had he not been a film legend”. Depardieu – who turns 75 on Wednesday – called the signatories “courageous” and praised the letter.

“I think she was beautiful,” he told broadcaster RTL by phone.

Depardieu admitted he had been shown the letter before it was published, but insisted he had not asked for it. He also said that some personalities refused to sign it.
“When people attack Gerard Depardieu in this way, they attack Art,” the letter reads.

“France owes him so much. Cinema and theater cannot succeed without his unique and extraordinary personality”the celebrities said.

“No one can erase the indelible imprint of his work in our time».

Last week French President Emmanuel Macron said Depardieu had been the target of a “manhunt”, while his family denounced an “unprecedented conspiracy” against him.

Women’s human rights organizations – and more – condemned Macron’s comments as an “insult” to all women who have suffered sexual violence. Politicians have also sharply criticized the French president, including Francois Hollande.

The letter, titled “Don’t write off Gerard Depardieu”, sparked a new wave of outrage. “We are and will always be on the side of the victims”, the organizations declare.