French actor Gérard Depardieu's “scandalous statements” in a documentary led to his removal from the ranks of the Quebec National Order. “His behavior damages the reputation of the members of the order,” François Legault said on Wednesday.
He was knighted by former Prime Minister Bernard Landry in 2002 and the famed actor's regalia will be retired “immediately,” the Prime Minister's Office said in a news release. The head of government concluded that Mr Depardieu's behavior was “contrary to the values of the National Order, whose motto is 'Glory to the people of Quebec'” in a report on France's Complément d'investigation program.
“Gérard Depardieu's scandalous statements in front of the cameras shocked the international public for good reason. His behavior damages the reputation of the order members,” said Mr. Legault. The press release states that the decision was made on the recommendation of the Order's Council. The exclusion, imposed for the first time, represents the “ultimate sanction for flagrant misconduct or serious misconduct” by a member.
The Quebec National Order Respect Act provides that a member is disqualified upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister. Once removed, the member must “immediately return.” […] the insignia bestowed upon him upon his appointment.”
The documentary Gérard Depardieu: The Case of the Ogre, which will be broadcast this weekend on France 2, shows excerpts from the French actor's trip to North Korea. We hear him make a number of sexual comments towards women and even a ten year old girl. The report also quotes two women who filed a rape complaint against Cyrano de Bergerac's former interpreter.
This spring, a Mediapart investigation published the statements of 13 women who said the actor had suffered sexual violence.
Mr. Depardieu received the title of Knight of the National Order of Quebec in 2002 “in recognition of his contribution to French-language cinema.”
To watch in the video