The arrest of France’s most celebrated film star on two charges of recent sexual assault ought to occasion, in any normal circumstances, shock and outrage. Unfortunately, that star happens to be Gérard Depardieu, meaning the news is only capable by this point of generating a numb revulsion.
Depardieu s reputation as a French film great is perhaps only matched by his renown for impish behaviour, and over the years, the public - and Depardieu himself - have revelled in his excesses.
Gérard Depardieu, 75, has faced sexual assault allegations from more than a dozen women, blighting his reputation as one of France's most well-known actors.