Gérard Depardieu, the renowned French actor, appeared in a Paris court on Monday to face accusations of sexually assaulting two women who worked on the set of a film in which he was starring. This trial marks the first time the actor will have to publicly defend himself against numerous allegations of groping, sexual assault, and harassment that he has faced over the years and consistently denied.
The charges in this particular trial stem from a film titled “Les Volets Verts,” directed by Jean Becker and released in 2022. In it, two women accused Depardieu of sexually assaulting them, claiming that he had groped their genitals, buttocks, and breasts. If convicted, Depardieu could face up to five years in prison and a fine of approximately $81,000.
Depardieu has denied all allegations in this case, with his lawyer, Jérémie Assous, characterizing them as “completely false and unrealistic.” The trial was initially set for October but was postponed due to Depardieu’s health issues, including long-term diabetes, heart problems, and heightened anxiety caused by the proceedings.
Beyond Depardieu’s personal situation, the trial is seen as significant for the #MeToo movement in France, which faced resistance, particularly from the male-dominated film industry. France’s venerable film sector has traditionally held its figures in high esteem, often treating them with a sacredness that made it difficult for victims of sexual abuse to come forward.
Despite this cultural context, there have been a few recent convictions that could indicate a shift towards accountability. For instance, film director and actor Nicolas Bedos was sentenced to a year in prison (later reduced to house arrest) for sexually assaulting two women, and director Christophe Ruggia was convicted of sexually assaulting an actress when she was a minor.
Depardieu, celebrated for his roles in films like “Cyrano de Bergerac” and “The Man in the Iron Mask,” has been a dominant figure in French cinema for decades. His being charged and going to trial is seen, by some, as indicative of a broader cultural shift where even the most revered artists are no longer beyond the reach of the law.
The trial’s outcome will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for how France deals with such cases in the future. It is also expected to further fuel the ongoing conversation about harassment and abuse in the context of a country where cultural identity is deeply intertwined with its cinematic achievements.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/24/world/europe/gerard-depardieu-sexual-assault-trial.html
