French actor Gerard Depardieu under investigation for tax fraud - Report

The 76-year-old French actor Gerard Depardieu is suspected of falsely declaring his tax residency in Belgium. He is under investigation for aggravated tax fraud in France, according to a source close to the case who spoke to AFP on Monday.

The investigation, initiated by financial crime prosecutors earlier this month, has now been taken over by police authorities. The probe involved raids in both France and Belgium, as well as police interviews, according to the source.

Depardieu, a prominent figure in French cinema, has faced significant scrutiny amid the country’s #MeToo movement. In October 2024, a Paris court postponed his sexual assault trial to March 2025 after his lawyer reported that Depardieu was too ill to attend. The actor has consistently denied any all charges.

The allegations involve incidents with two women during the filming of 'Les Volets Verts' in 2021. Meanwhile, an investigation is also underway in Paris after a former production assistant accused Depardieu of a 2014 sexual assault. Additionally, actor Helene Darras filed a sexual assault complaint that fell foul of the statute of limitations. Spanish writer and journalist Ruth Baza has accused Depardieu of raping her in 1995.

The cases sparked protests by feminist groups outside the courthouse and attracted significant media attention, compounded by his historic influence in French cinema. Despite the allegations, some high-profile figures and industry professionals defended him, arguing that criticism of Depardieu equates to an attack on cinema itself.

In 2012, Depardieu relocated to the Belgian border town of Néchin, a move widely perceived as an attempt to avoid France’s high taxes. This decision sparked public debate and criticism, including remarks from the French Prime Minister at the time, who labeled his actions as “pathetic.”

The upcoming trial in March 2025 will be closely watched, as it addresses serious allegations. The outcome could have significant implications for Depardieu’s career and the broader French film industry, especially in the context of ongoing discussions about accountability and misconduct within the arts.