New allegations against actor Gérard Darmon have emerged amid ongoing legal cases, coinciding with International Women’s Rights Day demonstrations in France. A *Politis* investigation reveals that nine women accuse him of sexist and sexual violence from 2018 to 2024. The claims include verbal abuse and non-consensual physical contact. Darmon, who denies the allegations, has been a significant figure in French cinema, but now faces serious scrutiny and potential legal repercussions.
New Allegations Surface Against Gérard Darmon Amid Ongoing Legal Cases
As the Mazan trial unfolds and in the wake of widespread demonstrations across France for International Women’s Rights Day, actor Gérard Darmon finds himself embroiled in serious allegations. This comes at a time when the singer Slimane is also facing scrutiny. On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, the magazine *Politis* released a detailed investigation into Darmon, a prominent figure celebrated for his performances in films like *The Heart of Men*, *Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra*, and *The City of Fear*.
In total, nine women have come forward to allege that the comedian has engaged in sexist and sexual violence. These incidents reportedly span from 2018 to the summer of 2024 and involve individuals who work in various capacities within the film industry, including technicians, hairdressers, makeup artists, and costume designers. They describe their roles as “interchangeable,” contrasting sharply with the “impunity” afforded to the actor and his “absolute power.”
Allegations of Inappropriate Behavior and Abuse of Power
Gérard Darmon, who embarked on his film career in the 1960s and has since featured in over 80 films, 20 TV movies, and countless plays, has become a staple in French cinema. However, he now faces accusations from women of varying ages, with the youngest being just 18 years old.
What are the specific allegations? The 76-year-old actor is accused of verbally abusing women and exhibiting a “need to touch” them. Reports indicate that he has humiliated others, engaged in non-consensual physical contact, and made inappropriate sexual advances.
One accuser, a 19-year-old named Delphine (name changed for privacy), recalls her experience while working on the film *You Are Young, You Are Beautiful*, directed by Franchin Don and released in 2019. According to her, Darmon was initially “very sweet,” but his behavior quickly escalated. After she offered him a hot drink, he allegedly suggested, “We can make love, you can come to my place,” to which she firmly declined, expressing her disinterest. Another woman, a first assistant director, reported that Darmon allegedly placed his hand between her thighs while greeting her, dismissively stating, “It’s okay, you’re not going to make me a MeToo.” She later filed a complaint against the production for failing to provide adequate protection.
In response to *Politis*, Gérard Darmon has denied all allegations, claiming that he never engaged in inappropriate behavior. He reportedly shifted the conversation towards insults and threats when confronted. The magazine reached out to him with a list of questions via email and message, to which he did not respond. Notably, in December 2023, he signed a letter of support for fellow actor Gérard Depardieu, published in *Le Figaro*.