Léa Seydoux poses for photographers as she arrives at the awards ceremony and premiere of the film ‘The Second Act’ during the 77th International Film Festival, Cannes | Photo Credit: Scott A. Garfitt
French actress Léa Seydoux has strongly disagreed with French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent comments praising Gérard Depardieu. Macron’s comments, in which he described Depardieu as a source of national pride, came despite the actor facing criminal charges for sexual assault.
Depardieu, 75, is accused of sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021, but he has vehemently denied the allegations. President Macron initially praised Depardieu as an iconic figure in France, but later said he would reserve further judgment until the trial was over.
In an interview The Times of LondonSeydoux did not refrain from criticizing Macron’s stance. “It’s very strange. It’s crazy. It makes our country look very bad. Why did he say that? It was really something special. It’s crazy that he said that – the president. It’s crazy,” she commented.
Macron’s comments have sparked controversy and coincide with a widespread perception that France is lagging behind in addressing issues highlighted by the #MeToo movement. This perception was recently reinforced by a public letter signed by several actresses, including Juliette Binoche, criticising France’s handling of sexual misconduct issues.
Seydoux acknowledged the younger generation’s proactiveness in tackling these issues. “The younger generation is very proactive. I look at my nieces, they are very aware. It’s very strong and not just in cinema. Maybe the older generation isn’t fully involved, but there is a change. There has been a move,” she explained many times.
Reflecting on her career spanning both Hollywood and French cinema, Seydoux noted her evolution within the James Bond franchise. After starring as Madeleine Swann the dark shadow And No time to die, He praised the change away from misogyny. He said, “It would have been weird to have someone who was so misogynistic in Bond these days. It should reflect the society we live in.”
