Celebrity

Gérard Depardieu's wax figure removed from Paris museum amid allegations of sexism and sexual assault

The French actor denies all wrongdoing, but his reputation is suffering among the public.

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Updated on December 19, 2023 12:25PM EST

A wax figure of Gérard Depardieu has been removed from a Paris museum amid ongoing allegations of wrongdoing against the French actor and "negative reactions of visitors," the Associated Press reports.

Gerard Depardieu attends a film premiere in Berlin.
Tristar Media/Getty

The Grévin Museum had displayed a wax figure of Depardieu — an iconic figure in French cinema, known for performances in movies like Jean de Florette and Cyrano de Bergerac — since 1981. But the actor's reputation has come under fire in recent years. A documentary aired on French television this month showing Depardieu making obscene comments to and about women during a trip to North Korea in 2018, per the Guardian. He is also still under investigation for rape accusations.

In 2020, actress Charlotte Arnould accused Depardieu of raping and assaulting her at his Parisian home in August 2018. Since then, 13 other women have also accused the 74-year-old actor of sexual violence. Depardieu publicly denies all the charges, writing in an open letter to Le Figaro earlier this year that "I have never, ever abused a woman."

Earlier this month, French culture minister Rima Abdul Malak said that she would start a review process to determine whether to rescind Depardieu's Legion of Honour medal, the highest merit available in France.

Representatives for Depardieu did not immediately respond to EW's request for comment.

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