Emmanuel Macron says Gérard Depardieu is target of ‘manhunt’

French president says he is ‘great admirer’ of Depardieu and that actor ‘makes France proud’

French President Emmanuel Macron has said film icon Gérard Depardieu, accused of rape, has become the target of a “manhunt”, as the actor faces fresh scrutiny over sexist comments.

“You will never see me participate in a manhunt,” Macron told the France 5 broadcaster when asked about possibly stripping the actor of a state award. “I hate that kind of thing,” he said, adding that “you don’t strip someone of a Legion of Honour based on a report”.