Oscars 2024: Jimmy Kimmel makes controversial Gerard Depardieu reference in opening monologue
In his opening monologue at the 96th edition of the Academy Awards in Los Angeles, host Jimmy Kimmel made a controversial reference to French actor Gerard Depardieu, who has been accused of sexual assault.
During his speech to kick off the ceremony, Kimmel, who is hosting the Oscars for the fourth time, brought up the actor while discussing Justin Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall. The movie is nominated for five prizes, including ‘Best Picture’, ‘Best Director’, and ‘Best Original Screenplay’.
While the camera panned to Messi, the dog who appeared in Anatomy of a Fall, Kimmel said of the canine: “I haven’t seen a French actor eat his vomit like that since Gerard Depardieu.”
On February 26th, Depardieu faced a new allegation of sexual assault after a set designer accused him of grabbing and touching her breasts in 2021.
The complainant, a 53-year-old woman named Amélie, alleged the incident took place when they worked on The Green Shutters, which was released in 2022.
Carine Durrieu-Diebolt, Amélie’s lawyer, confirmed to French television on February 26th that the complainant is accusing the actor of sexual assault, sexual harassment and using sexist insults.
Durrieu-Diebolt claimed to BFMTV that her client was “passing through a corridor where Mr Depardieu was sitting” when the incident occurred.
“He grabbed her, trapped her between his legs and touched her body up to her breasts. She felt completely powerless, incapable of escaping this trap,” the lawyer continued. The alleged incident was stopped by other people who worked on set.
At this stage, Depardieu is yet to comment on this specific case, but in an open letter published in October, he wrote: “I have never, ever abused a woman.”
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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