French actor Gérard Depardieu questioned about sexual assault accusations

French actor Gérard Depardieu has been questioned by Paris police over allegations of sexual assault, as reported by media outlets. The 75-year-old actor was summoned to a police station on Monday morning to address accusations from two women who worked with him on film sets in 2014 and 2021.

Depardieu was released from custody later that day, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP). While he has not commented on the recent case, he has previously denied other allegations of sexual assault, stating in an open letter last year, “Never, ever have I abused a woman.”

One of the women involved in the 2021 incident alleges that the assault occurred on the set of the film “The Green Shutters,” which was released the following year. Her lawyer described the incident, stating that Depardieu grabbed her, trapped her between his legs, and touched her body up to her breasts, leaving her feeling powerless to escape.

Prosecutors in Paris have not provided further details on potential charges, stating that they must inform the parties involved first to guarantee their rights. Depardieu has faced previous accusations of sexual assault, including a charge of rape from actor Charlotte Arnould in 2018, which remains open.

Despite the allegations, Depardieu maintains his innocence, claiming any relationships he has had were consensual. The Oscar-nominated actor is a prominent figure in French and international cinema, with a career spanning over 200 films.