Macron does not regret having supported the presumption of innocence concerning Depardieu and MeToo

Macron persists and signs: no regrets for having defended Depardieu

In the social storm now aroused by the slightest allegation of sexual assault, Emmanuel Macron stood firm on his principles of the rule of law. No regrets in his remarks, as demonstrated by his recent statement regarding the defense of Gérard Depardieu in the context of the case highlighting the actor in the eye of the storm #MeToo.

A firm rejection of the “public trial”

Faced with the growing phenomenon of the “public trial” generated by the #MeToo movement, Emmanuel Macron took a position by recalling the fundamentals of French justice. “Whatever degree of moral disapproval we may have, and I share it, the presumption of innocence is one of the pillars of our legal system,” he said during a press briefing. For the President of the Republic, each individual, whatever their notoriety or social condition, must be able to benefit from this legal protection until the end of a trial. A way for him to remind us that “justice does not take place in the public square but in a court”.

Macron positions himself against #MeToo:

Macron does not deny the legitimacy of the mobilization #MeToo. He emphasizes that the founding of this movement is necessary for global awareness of sexist and sexual violence. However, he also warns: social networks, although bringing progress by giving victims a voice, cannot replace judicial institutions. Emmanuel Macron, despite the criticism, therefore maintains its position and does not “regret” having recalled the principle of presumption of innocence in the case Depardieu. A way of demonstrating its constant desire to respect legal principles and its attachment to a balanced rule of law. His message is clear: justice must remain the last bastion against widespread witch hunting. Over time, this posture risks attracting criticism from defenders of the #MeToo movement, but also earning him the respect of those who fear a “vigilante” drift in the societal movement. For Macron, the game is clearly worth it.