Gerard Depardieu's trial for sexual assault began in his absence

The trial of actor Gerard Depardieu for sexually assaulting two women during the filming of the film 2021 began today in the absence of the accused before a court in Paris.

"Unfortunately, the doctors forbade him to appear today," said lawyer Jeremy Asu upon arriving at the hearing.

He announced that he would request a six-month delay so that Depardieu could defend himself.

Before the trial, a demonstration was held in which about 100 people, mostly women, participated.

Depardieu vehemently denies all the accusations. In an open letter to the public, he previously said that he "never abused a woman".