French Actress's Apparent Suicide Investigated Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against Gerard Depardieu

French authorities have launched an investigation into the death of actress Emmanuelle Debever, 60, who was found dead in the River Seine after disappearing from her home for over a week. Debever's death occurred on the same day that French TV aired a documentary detailing a series of sexual abuse claims against controversial movie star Gerard Depardieu.

Debever had accused Depardieu of sexual misconduct in a Facebook post in 2019, alleging that he had groped her during the filming of the movie "Danton," in which she portrayed his young second wife. The actress wrote online, "The superstar indulged himself during the shoot, making the most of the privacy inside a carriage, slipping his paw under my skirts the better to feel me up."

Following Debever's death, French prosecutors stated, "In view of this new element, an investigation into the cause of her death has been opened," indicating a potential connection between her suicide and the allegations against Depardieu. However, it should be noted that the actor has not been charged with any crime.

Debever's partner informed the police that she had gone missing after leaving a “worrying” note. Authorities later discovered her in the River Seine and rushed her to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead on December 7.

On the same day as Debever's death, France 2 TV aired a documentary that featured numerous claims of sexual abuse against Depardieu. Actress Charlotte Arnould, who had previously sued Depardieu for rape in 2018, made new allegations in the documentary. The film prompted several figures in the French movie industry to distance themselves from the actor, and TV networks in the country have pulled back on showing his movies.

Debever's claims against Depardieu were not specifically addressed in the documentary, which focused on allegations by 16 different women who accused the actor of harassment and sexual assault over the years. Depardieu, who has appeared in over 200 movies, including the 1990 film "Green Card," has consistently denied all allegations made against him. In an open letter to Le Figaro in October, he wrote, "But I am not a rapist or a predator. Never, ever have I abused a woman."

The investigation into Depardieu for rape and sexual assault began in December 2020, following the allegations made by Arnould. The Paris prosecutor's office stated that, given Debever's accusations against Depardieu, an investigation into the cause of her death has been initiated, as is customary in France when the cause of death is suspicious or unknown.

French investigative news website Mediapart has previously reported that Depardieu has been accused by 13 women of harassment, groping, or sexual assault. The France 2 documentary claimed that the number of accusers now stands at 16.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.