Anouk Grinberg, an actress and outspoken advocate against gender-based violence, has opened up about her traumatic past in her new book, Respect, set to be published on April 3, 2025. In a candid interview with Nouvel Obs, Grinberg shared her harrowing experiences of sexual abuse and her tumultuous relationship with filmmaker Bertrand Blier, who passed away in January 2025.
Grinberg's revelations come at a time when she has been actively supporting victims in high-profile cases, including the ongoing trial of actor Gérard Depardieu, who has faced accusations of sexual assault. In late March, she attended the Paris correctional court to stand in solidarity with Charlotte Arnoux and other alleged victims. Her strong emotions during the proceedings led to her exclusion from the courtroom, where she described the atmosphere as a "carpet of vomit" and a "carpet of lies." This incident highlights her commitment to speaking out against sexual violence.
In her book, Grinberg recounts the traumatic events that have shaped her life. She reveals that at the age of seven, she was sexually abused by a friend's stepfather and later experienced incest at the hands of her brother when she was twelve. These early experiences of trauma set the stage for her complicated relationship with Blier, whom she married years later.
Grinberg described Blier as having treated her as his "muse," "fantasy," and "thing," asserting that he exerted a controlling influence over her life and career. "When I had my child, when I was in protection of someone other than myself, the birth of my son made me a subject that Blier fought against, to do what he wanted with me in his cinema and in life," she reflected. Initially, their relationship was filled with hope, but it quickly devolved into a nightmare. "He acted as if he owned me, constantly projecting fantasies onto me that I was supposed to embody on screen," she lamented.
Grinberg's experiences on the set of Blier's film Mon homme were particularly traumatic. She described the filming process as "a torture," recalling that Blier took her to a psychiatrist and forced her to take neuroleptics to secure her consent for her role. Despite later receiving an acting award at the Berlin Film Festival for her performance, she expressed no pride in the recognition, stating, "Yes, but it didn’t make me proud to be congratulated for the harm done to me."
In her book, Grinberg aims to shed light on the pervasive issues of sexual violence and the societal structures that enable it. She recalls her childhood spent in a wealthy yet dysfunctional family, where her mother struggled with severe depression and was frequently hospitalized. Her father, Michel Vinaver, served as both a CEO and a playwright, leaving little time for his children. "Under the scorching sun of solitude, predators lurked," she said, reflecting on her upbringing.
Grinberg's narrative is not merely a recounting of her own suffering; it serves as a call to action. She emphasizes the need for profound changes in the dynamics of male-female relationships. "It’s quite convenient for predators to portray a woman as crazy," she stated, highlighting the societal tendency to dismiss women's experiences of trauma.
The actress's commitment to advocacy has been unwavering. She has consistently supported victims who have come forward to share their stories, including those against Depardieu. "Depardieu is the shame of France," she declared after being expelled from the courtroom, emphasizing the need to hold powerful figures accountable for their actions. "I was thrown out like women are silenced," she added, underscoring her determination to break the silence surrounding sexual violence.
As Grinberg prepares for the release of Respect, she hopes her story will resonate with others who have faced similar struggles. Her book is described as both painful and illuminating, reflecting the complexities of her experiences while advocating for change. Grinberg's voice is a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out against injustice and supporting those who have suffered in silence.
In a world where victims often feel unheard, Grinberg’s story is one of resilience and courage. She has transformed her pain into a platform for advocacy, encouraging others to confront their own traumas and seek justice. As she continues to stand with survivors, Grinberg’s message is clear: the fight against sexual violence is far from over, and every voice matters.
