Published on April 20, 2026 at 11:29
Gérard Depardieu is dropping his legal action against the TV show “Complément d’enquête” after two years of media and legal tensions. This decision marks a turning point in a highly public and sensitive case. His new lawyer speaks of a “real willingness to calm things down,” while maintaining criticism of the report. The actor now prefers to distance himself from the legal and media conflict in this specific case.
A withdrawal to ease tensions
During a hearing at the Paris court, Gérard Depardieu withdrew “all his actions” against “Complément d’enquête.” His lawyer, Delphine Meillet, explains that this decision reflects “a real willingness to calm things down on both sides.” However, she specifies that the actor maintains his criticism of the “lack of objectivity in the report” and the alleged “illicit editing.” According to her, the priority has changed. Now, her client wants to avoid a “legal showdown.” He prefers to step back from a procedure that has become burdensome, highly publicized, and contentious, without giving up on defending his point of view.
This withdrawal is limited to this specific case. The lawyer emphasizes this point and reminds that the actor will “take responsibility in court if necessary.” Thus, the strategy evolves, but the defense line remains. On the other hand, France Télévisions sees this decision as a favorable outcome. The group highlights the end of “two years of procedures, controversies, and misinformation.” It believes that these accusations have called into question the “rigor and professionalism” of the teams. Therefore, this legal withdrawal also appears as a way to close a particularly sensitive public conflict.
A case stemming from a controversial report
The origin of the dispute dates back to a report broadcast in 2023, titled “The Fall of the Ogre.” It showed Gérard Depardieu making obscene remarks during a trip to North Korea in 2018 with Yann Moix. A sequence filmed in a stud farm was particularly shocking. The actor spoke sexually suggestive words while a girl appeared on screen. The defense disputed this interpretation, claiming that the remarks were actually directed at an unseen adult. This point is at the heart of the disagreement among the parties involved in this case. Despite these disputes, France Télévisions recalls that two judicial expertises were conducted. According to the group, they concluded that the remarks were indeed aimed at a girl and dismissed any image manipulation. The company therefore supports the validity of the report and defends the work of its journalists. Additionally, Delphine Ernotte-Cunci was also targeted by the legal actions, which have now been dropped. By giving up on these actions, the actor puts an end to an intense media confrontation. This decision closes a chapter marked by high tensions, while leaving differences in interpretation unresolved.
