Gerard Depardieu has requested a postponement of his sexual assault trial, which was scheduled to begin in Paris on Monday, due to health concerns. His lawyer cited the actor’s health issues as the reason for the delay.

The 75-year-old French actor is accused of making explicit sexual remarks and forcibly groping two women during the filming of *Les Volets Verts* (*The Green Shutters*) in 2021, making it one of the most high-profile #MeToo cases in France. If convicted, Depardieu could face up to five years in prison. He has denied the allegations, asserting in an open letter last year that he has never “abused a woman.”

The trial was set to commence at a criminal court in Paris at 1:30 p.m. local time. However, Depardieu’s lawyer, Jeremie Assous, informed French media that his client had been “deeply affected” by illness and was advised by doctors not to attend. Assous said Depardieu requested the delay as he “wishes to come and express himself” in court.

The case is a pivotal moment for France’s #MeToo movement, as Depardieu is one of the most prominent figures in French cinema to face such accusations. The two women involved, whose identities remain confidential, allege that Depardieu made sexual remarks and physically assaulted them during the film’s production. Depardieu’s lawyer has dismissed the accusations as false, claiming that one of the women sought €30,000 in compensation, which he characterized as an attempt to “make money,” according to *Le Monde*.

Since the allegations emerged, Depardieu has faced significant backlash and has not appeared in a film since 2022. Additionally, he faces another trial next year on separate charges of raping actress Charlotte Arnould at his home in Paris—charges he also denies. More than a dozen other women have accused Depardieu of sexual assault.

Despite the mounting allegations, Depardieu has received support from some members of France’s artistic community. A group of over 50 actors, directors, and producers published a letter last year condemning the accusations against him as “an attack on art itself.” Notable signatories included actors Charlotte Rampling, Carole Bouquet, and singers Carla Bruni and Jacques Dutronc.

French President Emmanuel Macron also faced criticism after describing Depardieu as “the pride of France” and denouncing what he called a “manhunt” against the actor. Critics argued that Macron’s comments undermined efforts to combat violence against women. Actress Léa Seydoux called Macron’s remarks “crazy,” stating that they “give a very bad image for France.”

Although Macron expressed support, then-Culture Minister Rima Abdul-Malak indicated she would consider revoking Depardieu’s Legion d’Honneur after footage surfaced of him making inappropriate comments in a 2018 documentary filmed in North Korea.