Macron accused of siding with Depardieu as actor faces misconduct allegations

Actor Gerard Depardieu is facing sexual misconduct allegations (Thibault Camus/AP)

Women’s rights activists criticised French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday for appearing to take sides with actor Gerard Depardieu by saying the film star who is facing sexual misconduct allegations “makes France proud”.

Speaking on Wednesday night on TV channel France 5, Mr Macron described himself as a “big admirer” of a “great actor”. Mr Macron added: “He makes France proud.”