PARIS -- The Grevin Museum, renowned for its collection of wax figures of celebrities, has decided to remove the wax figure of French actor Gerard Depardieu following a wave of negative reactions from visitors. The decision comes after recent allegations against Depardieu regarding his conduct with women, which have tarnished his reputation both in France and worldwide.

The French television network France 2 aired a documentary showcasing Depardieu's controversial behavior during a 2018 trip to North Korea. The footage depicted the actor making obscene remarks and gestures, leading to public outcry and condemnation. Furthermore, Depardieu has been under investigation for rape since 2020, a charge he vehemently denies.

Depardieu, a prolific actor with a career spanning over half a century, has appeared in numerous acclaimed films, including French classics such as "The Last Metro," "Jean de Florette," and "Cyrano de Bergerac," as well as English-language movies like "Green Card" and "Life of Pi."

Coinciding with the removal of his wax figure, France's culture minister has announced a disciplinary procedure that may result in the withdrawal of Depardieu's prestigious Order of the Legion of Honor. In response, the actor, represented by his legal team, has communicated his decision to voluntarily relinquish the honor. Additionally, Depardieu has already been stripped of honors in Canada and Belgium.

Despite the mounting controversies, Depardieu's family has condemned what they perceive as a conspiracy against him. They have expressed their disapproval of the "collective rage" targeted at the actor in a statement published in French media.

The Grevin Museum's decision to remove the wax figure of Gerard Depardieu serves as a significant repercussion of the recent negative publicity surrounding the actor. It raises questions about the intersection of reputation and art preservation within the context of a public figure's personal behavior.

As the debate surrounding the actor's actions and legacy continues, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact Depardieu's standing in the entertainment world and his future projects.