Anouk Grinberg Files Complaint Against Gérard Depardieu's Lawyer Over Derogatory Remarks

Anouk Grinberg, the French actress supporting women accusing Gérard Depardieu of sexual violence, has formally lodged a complaint with the Paris Bar Association against Jérémie Assous, Depardieu's lawyer, for derogatory comments he made about her. On September 2, the day Depardieu was referred to criminal court over rape allegations by actress Charlotte Arnould, Assous appeared on BFMTV dismissing Grinberg's criticisms as "ridiculous" and accused her of trying to secure more screen time with Depardieu during filming of "Les Volets verts."

Grinberg condemned Assous's attacks, asserting that defending an accused does not justify defaming a woman's character and that his statements threatened her personal integrity and that of the legal profession. She expressed concern that such tactics invert victim and perpetrator roles, echoing methods used by sexual aggressors. The Paris Bar Association has opened an ethical investigation into Assous, who is already under scrutiny following similar complaints from Arnould and her lawyer. Depending on the outcomes, disciplinary measures could be taken against him.

This complaint emphasizes the tensions surrounding the Depardieu case and the broader discourse on defending accused figures without undermining victims and their supporters. Grinberg has urged the Bar Association to defend the honor of the legal profession against such defamatory conduct.