‘Altar of great art’: French cinema granted film veterans ‘transcendent permission to be above law’

The trial of French actor Gerard Depardieu on sexual assault charges has opened in the absence of the celebrity who had declared himself to be ill. His lawyer had said earlier that Depardieu was “extremely affected” by ill health, and that he had asked for proceedings to be delayed until he could attend in person. As the trial thrusts the entire film industry into the spotlight, known to be a hotbed for widespread sexual assault over many decades, FRANCE 24’s Annette Young is joined by Dr Mary Harrod, Professor of French and Screen Studies at the University of Warwick.