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Published December 14, 2023, 10:46 p.m. ET
French authorities are investigating the apparent suicide of a distraught actress who accused controversial film star Gerard Depardieu of sexual misconduct.
Emmanuelle Debever, 60, is said to have jumped from a Paris bridge into the Seine after disappearing from her home more than a week earlier – and died on the same day that French television aired a damning documentary about a series of sexual allegations Depardieu radiated abuse against her.
“It was reported in the media that the actress complained about inappropriate behavior by Gerard Depardieu,” French prosecutors said in a statement, the BBC reported.
“In light of this new element, an investigation into the cause of death has been initiated,” the statement said.
The actor has not been accused of any crime.
Debever appeared in French films and television shows in the 1980s and claimed in a 2019 Facebook post that Depardieu groped her while the two were filming the film “Danton,” in which the actress played the famous's young second wife Actor portrayed Auslauf.
French actress Emmanuelle Debever, who apparently died of suicide last week, claimed that controversial film star Gerard Depardieu groped her while the pair were filming together in 1982 – an allegation in a series of allegations against Depardieu.
“The superstar treated herself to something while filming,” she wrote online. “Make the most of the privacy in a carriage. He puts his paw under my skirts so he can feel me better.”
Debever's partner told police the actress disappeared from her home after leaving a “worrying” message. Officers later found Debever in the river and took her to a local hospital, where she died on December 7.
The same day, France 2 TV aired a documentary about allegations of sexual abuse by the 74-year-old actor, including new allegations from actress Charlotte Arnould, who sued Depardieu, claiming the “Cyrano de Bergerac” actor raped her in 2018.
The documentary caused several figures in the French film industry to distance themselves from the actor, and the country's television channels stopped broadcasting his films after Debever's death.
Debever's claims were not addressed in the documentary, which alleged that Depardieu harassed and sexually abused up to 16 different women over the years.
French actor Gerard Depardieu, 74, is marred by allegations of sexual misconduct and even rape. He denies it. AP
The actress has long been marred by allegations of sexual misconduct and has been under investigation since Arnould filed her claims in December 2020.
He has appeared in more than 200 films, including the 1990 film “Green Card,” a romantic comedy starring Andie McDowell that enjoyed some success in the United States.
Depardieu has repeatedly rejected the allegations made against him.
“All my life I have been provocative, exaggerated, sometimes rude,” he said in an open letter to Le Figaro in October. “I have often done what others dare not do – test boundaries, shake up accepted wisdom.
“But I am not a rapist or predator,” he wrote. “I have never abused a woman. Before the media court and the lynching that is reserved for me, I only have my word to defend myself.”
Depardieu has not commented publicly on the France 2 documentary or Debever's death.
With post wires.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988 or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
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