PARIS (AFP) – Brigitte Bardot has come to the defense of two French actors facing sexual assault allegations, including the renowned Gérard Depardieu, who stated in a recent interview with BFM that they should be allowed to “continue with life.”
The 90-year-old former star has voiced her support for Depardieu, who has faced accusations from roughly 20 women concerning assault or inappropriate conduct, as he prepares for his trial on Tuesday.
Additionally, Bardot supported French actor and director Nicolas Bedos, who was found guilty of sexually assaulting two women in October 2024.
“Those who possess talent and indulge in inappropriate behavior are often cast aside,” Bardot remarked during an interview from her home in southern France.
“We should at least allow them to continue living their lives. They can’t exist anymore,” she continued, adding that “feminism isn’t about me.”
This isn’t the first time Bardot has criticized the #MeToo movement. In 2018, she signed an open letter denouncing it as a mere “witch hunt” that threatens sexual freedom, suggesting that actors who accuse others of harassment are often seeking publicity.
Since leaving the film industry over 50 years ago, Bardot has become an advocate for animal rights.
In her recent interview, she also called on the French government to end the “terrifying” practice of hunting with dogs in groups aimed at small animals.
“After 50 years of unheeded requests, the French government must finally agree to grant me this victory,” she said.
