The proceedings were scheduled to take place at the French capital’s criminal court at approximately 13:30 local time. But his lawyer, Jeremy Asus, told French media the actor had been “deeply affected” by the illness and had been advised by doctors not to attend the trial.
Assous added that his client had requested a delay because he “wants to come and express his opinion” in court.
The trial marks a key moment in France’s #MeToo movement, making Depardieu the highest-profile figure in French film to be accused of sexual assault. The unnamed women said Depardieu made sexual comments to them. They also say he “violently grabbed” and “groped” them.
Depardieu’s lawyer accused the women of “false accusations.” He also claimed that one of the women tried to “make money” by demanding €30,000 ($32,500, £25,000) in compensation, Le Monde reported.
After the allegations came to light, Depardieu became a virtual pariah. He has not appeared in a film since 2022 and faces a second trial next year on charges of twice raping actress Charlotte Arnoux at her Paris home. He denies the charges.
Depardieu has also been accused of sexual assault by more than a dozen other women.
Despite the growing suspicions, the star has received strong messages of support from some members of the French arts community. The group of more than 50 actors, directors and producers said in a letter issued last year that the accusations against Depardieu were “an attack on art itself.”
The letter, signed by actresses Charlotte Rampling, Carole Bouquet and Pierre Richard, and singers Carla Bruni and Jacques Dutronc, reads: “The lynching that befell (Depardieu) “I cannot remain silent in front of you,” it reads.
French President Emmanuel Macron also drew anger last year by describing him as the “pride of France.” Macron added that Depardieu was being “searched.” Activists said the comments undermined efforts to protect women from violence.
Actress Léa Seydoux said Macron’s comments were “crazy” and “gives France a very bad image.”
Despite Macron’s show of support, then-Culture Minister Rima Abdulmalak proposed revoking Depardieu’s award of the Legion of Honor after he was seen making sexual comments about women in a 2018 documentary filmed in North Korea. He said he would review it.
