French actress Fanny Ardant captivated the Paris courtroom for ten minutes on Wednesday, March 26, as she passionately defended her lifelong friend. Her powerful monologue celebrated the “genius” of Gérard Depardieu, describing him as someone who embodies “something extravagant, rebellious, and dangerous.”
“Indeed, he occupies a significant presence on set. Yes, he speaks his mind. Yes, he can be abrasive. However, Gérard has always poured his heart into his work, like a volcano. The craft of acting demands a willingness to risk everything. Without that risk, one ceases to be an artist and becomes merely a servant.”
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“I recognize that society has evolved, and many behaviors that were once tolerated are now unacceptable,” Ardant remarked, reflecting on a time when women rarely voiced their grievances. “I have faced similar situations; I have responded with slaps and insults. We can assert ourselves against Gérard.” She expressed concern that the “fear” preventing others from coming forward to support Depardieu, who has become a social outcast, “should not be a means of enforcing compliance among citizens, nor should it serve as a moral guideline. I believe in the power of reaching out, forgiving, and fostering friendship and love.”
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