“Never ever have I abused a woman,” Depardieu wrote in Le Figaro newspaper ... Another sexual assault complaint filed last year by the actress Hélène Darras, who said Depardieu groped ...

after describing the actor as "the pride of France" last year. Macron added that Depardieu was being subjected to a "manhunt". Campaigners said the comments undermined efforts to protect women ...

In an open letter published in the conservative-leaning newspaper Le Figaro, Depardieu said last year, “I have never, ever abused a woman.” The actor was long seen as a national icon in France.