Aurélien Rousseau, Muriel Robin… 135 people are calling for the suspension of the Legion of Honour of Depardieu, PPDA and Joël Guerriau

The fight against sexist and sexual violence has evolved significantly throughout 2024. Several dozen parliamentarians and personalities from the artistic world have signed a platform asking Emmanuel Macron to suspend the Legion of Honor against three men: Gérard Depardieu, Patrick Poivre d'Arvor and Joël Guerriau.

The #MeToo movement has taken a new turn this year in France since victims' tongues have been loosened, particularly in the world of cinema. A movement led by actress Judith Godrèche, who filed a complaint against directors Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon.

But as tradition dictates, the January 1st promotion of the Legion of Honor is fast approaching. But some people who have already been decorated are accused of having committed sexual violence against women. Some are the subject of complaints, others are indicted. Among these names are Gérard Depardieu, presenter Patrick Poivre d’Arvor (PPDA) and senator Joël Guerriau.

This Wednesday, 135 parliamentarians and other artistic personalities signed a column published in Libération to alert Emmanuel Macron and thus request the suspension of the Legion of Honor of several of those involved.

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There are 135 of them

“Mr. President of the Republic, honor is a cardinal value of our Republic. The Legion of Honor, which you preside over as Grand Master, is its supreme embodiment. It symbolizes commitment, merit, and dedication to France. However, this honor is today tarnished by the continued awarding of decorations to people accused of sexist and sexual violence”, these are the first words of this letter addressed to the Head of State.

“As the Grand Chancellery points out, the Legion of Honor is 'a strong, understandable, and unifying symbol'. The tolerance of such behavior within it sends a devastating message to society and is a humiliation for the complainants. A suspension of the orders, while justice does its work, would in no way contravene the presumption of innocence. The medals would then be withdrawn or reinstated – depending on a conviction – or not.”

Emmanuel Macron is then reminded that it is in his power to temporarily or permanently suspend these decorations. “Honor must change sides. It can no longer serve as a shield for behaviors that betray it. Mr. President, we urge you to act, so that the Legion of Honor remains an irreproachable symbol and so that the Order is fully involved in the fight against sexist and sexual violence”, we can read.

This text addressed to the Head of State was signed by elected officials, comedians, sportswomen… It includes Muriel Robin, the Alésien and former Minister of Health Aurélien Rousseau, Erwan Balanant, Sandrine Josso…