Gerard Depardieu's trial on charges of sexual assault has began in Paris with the star absent, after his lawyer asked for a delay to proceedings citing the actor's health issues.

Axar.az reports that Depardieu is accused of attacking two women while shooting the 2021 film Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters), in the highest profile #MeToo case to hit the country.

Prosecutors say he made explicit sexual remarks to, and then aggressively "groped", two members of the movie's production team. If convicted he could face five years in jail.

The 75-year-old denies the charges and said in an open letter published last year that he has never "abused a woman".

Proceedings opened at a criminal court in the French capital at around 13:30 local time (12:30 GMT). Depardieu's lawyer, Jeremie Assous, told French media that the actor had been "deeply affected" by illness and was advised by his doctors not to attend the trial.

Assous added that his client had asked for the delay as he "wishes to come, wants to express himself" before the court, but proceedings continued in his absence.The trial marks a major moment for France's #MeToo movement, with Depardieu being the highest profile figure in French cinema to face accusations of sexual assault. The women - who have not been named - say Depardieu made sexual comments to them. They say he also "violently grabbed" and "groped" them.