French actor Gérard Depardieu has become the focus of an escalating international scandal following the release of a controversial television documentary on December 7, 2023.
In the program, which aired on France 2, the veteran actor made a series of inappropriate, shocking, and widely condemned remarks about women, triggering immediate and severe consequences from multiple institutions and public authorities.
As a result of the controversy, both Belgium and Canada have taken formal action to revoke official honors that had previously been awarded to Depardieu.
Additionally, his wax figure was permanently removed from the Paris Grevin Museum after a public outcry.
In France, the Minister of Culture, Rima Abdul Malak, confirmed that Depardieu could face suspension or complete expulsion from the Legion of Honor, France’s highest civilian distinction, pending a formal disciplinary review by the Legion’s council.
According to reports, Depardieu’s lawyers have placed his Legion of Honor award “at the disposal” of the Ministry of Culture while these proceedings are under consideration.
The scandal initially gained traction when the Belgian commune of Estampuis revoked Depardieu’s honorary citizenship, which he had received in 2013 during a period of residence there.
Shortly thereafter, Quebec’s Premier, François Legault, announced that Depardieu had been removed from the National Order of Quebec, one of the province’s highest civilian honors.
In a formal statement, Legault emphasized, “The scandalous remarks made by Gérard Depardieu in front of cameras have justifiably shocked the international public.
His behavior casts a shadow on the reputation of the members of the National Order of Quebec.”
This series of actions highlighted how Depardieu’s comments were being treated seriously not only in France but also across multiple international jurisdictions where he had previously been celebrated.
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