When Gérard Depardieu, a prominent French cinema star, was recently added to the sex offender register following his conviction for sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021, it marked a significant moment for the #MeToo movement in France.
Catherine Le Magueresse, who represented the European Association Against Violence Towards Women at Work (AVFT) at the trial, stated, “It was a message to all men in power that they are answerable to the courts and can be convicted. The message is: watch out, the impunity is over.”
Depardieu, 76, known for his extensive body of work in over 200 films and TV series, has long been seen as emblematic of France’s tendency to idolize its creative geniuses, often hindering the French #MeToo movement. His international fame and acting prowess were often regarded as setting him beyond reproach, and French cinema and politics have historically been slow to address abuse claims seriously.
Sandrine Rousseau, a Green MP and co-author of a recent parliamentary report, argued that the prevalence of sexual violence in the French entertainment industry was “endemic.” She acknowledged the importance of the judicial finding but emphasized that more action needs to be taken.
The trial resulted in Depardieu being convicted of sexually assaulting the two women on the set of “Les Volets Verts” (The Green Shutters), with the judge noting that Depardieu lacked understanding of consent and the harm caused by his actions. Depardieu had been accused of physically restraining, grabbing, and touching the women while using vulgar language and calling one a “snitch.”
Activists have highlighted the need for a thorough overhaul to address sexism within the legal system itself, emphasizing how distressing trials can be for survivors of sexual violence. This concern was demonstrated during last year’s trial of 51 men accused of raping Gisèle Pelicot, who was left unconscious by her husband; she felt “humiliated” by defense lawyers who questioned her state of mind.
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In the Depardieu trial, the judge also ruled that Depardieu’s defense lawyer, Jérémie Assous, had been excessively harsh toward the two women in court, ordering compensation for them due to “secondary victimisation.” The women reported feeling tormented during the defense’s cross-examination.
This ruling could be a turning point in how France handles cases of sexual misconduct in its courts. The trial recognized that the harsh treatment experienced by complainants is not acceptable, echoing the sentiments of Céline Piques from the group Osez Le Féminisme.
Despite Depardieu’s reputation, witnesses acknowledged that his behavior was long condoned by the highest echelons of French culture and politics. In 2023, a petition titled “Don’t Cancel Gérard Depardieu,” signed by 50 cultural figures, defended him. French President Emmanuel Macron also stood by Depardieu, who was under investigation for rape and facing criticism for sexist rhetoric.
Aurore Bergé, the French equality minister, stated following the verdict, “No talent, however great, has the right to immunity.”
Depardieu, who denied the charges and plans to appeal, was sentenced to an 18-month suspended prison term. Notably, earlier this year, film director Christophe Ruggia was found guilty of sexually assaulting the actor Adèle Haenel and given a four-year sentence, with two years suspended.
Legal proceedings in France often progress slowly. The Paris prosecutor’s office has requested another trial for Depardieu in a separate case of rape and sexual assault brought by actor Charlotte Arnould, though no trial date is set yet. Depardieu denies those allegations. Additionally, French TV presenter Patrick Poivre d’Arvor is under formal investigation for alleged rape, and women who have come forward against him await justice.
Emmanuelle Dancourt, president of MeTooMedia, who filed a complaint against d’Arvor, said there is a need for a comprehensive overhaul of the French legal system, including specialized courts for sexist and sexual violence. She emphasized that while show business is a focus, the French #MeToo movement is broader, spanning various sectors to prevent any form of retraction in progress on this issue.
Depardieu’s victims and other women who speak out still face repercussions in their careers, prompting Dancourt to assert that France must not fall behind culturally and politically.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/17/gerard-depardieu-conviction-metoo-france
