French actor Gérard Depardieu has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two women on the set of his 2021 film ‘Les Volets Verts’. The Paris court imposed an 18-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of 29,040 euros. The conviction marks a key moment in the #MeToo movement’s impact on the French film industry. Depardieu, who has denied the accusations, did not attend the hearing, and his lawyer announced plans to appeal the decision. The case is seen as a significant test of how French society and the film industry address sexual misconduct against prominent figures. The court’s ruling emphasized the credibility of the victims’ accounts and criticized the defense’s strategy as aggressive and offensive.
Depardieu’s long and storied career, marked by over 250 films and an Oscar nomination, has now faced renewed scrutiny following the allegations. The actor had previously faced multiple accusations of misconduct, with only this case proceeding to court, while others were dropped due to lack of evidence or statute of limitations. The court’s decision was particularly notable as it came amid the ongoing #MeToo movement, which has prompted a broader reckoning within the French film industry over its treatment of sexual misconduct allegations. The judges highlighted the victims’ consistent and substantiated declarations, which they deemed credible in light of the evidence provided.
The defense strategy, according to the court, was perceived as an ‘aggressive’ approach that targeted the accusers with offensive comments. This led to the imposition of higher fines, as the judges believed that the defense’s tactics exacerbated the harm to the victims. Depardieu’s lawyer, Jérémie Assous, expressed regret over the court’s interpretation, arguing that questioning the accusations was an additional assault on the victims. The legal proceedings have sparked a debate on the balance between free speech and the rights of victims in high-profile cases.
Among the accusers, the set dresser described the alleged assault in detail, explaining how Depardieu pincered her between his legs as she passed him in a narrow corridor, leading to physical contact with her hips, behind, and chest. She also alleged that Depardieu used an obscene expression to ask her to touch his penis and implied a desire to rape her. The set dresser’s testimony painted a vivid picture of the alleged misconduct, which stood in stark contrast to Depardieu’s demeanor during the trial. The other plaintiff, the assistant, recounted similar incidents of groping on the set, further strengthening the case against the actor.
French media and industry figures have reacted with mixed responses, with some supporters of Depardieu, including actors Vincent Perez and Fanny Ardant, taking seats on his side of the courtroom. Despite the backlash, the actor remains a significant figure in French cinema, with ongoing projects and a film directed by Ardant in the Azores. However, the legal proceedings pose a potential threat to his future career and public image. The actor may face additional legal challenges, including the ongoing 2018 case, where Charlotte Arnould accused him of rape, with a trial set for late 2024.
Depardieu’s legacy as a titan of French cinema, marked by his commanding presence and versatility, now faces the shadow of these allegations. His recent behavior, highlighted in a documentary that showcased his inappropriate remarks and gestures during a 2018 trip to North Korea, has further tarnished his reputation. The case has underscored the evolving landscape of accountability in the entertainment industry, as the #MeToo movement continues to drive reforms and increased awareness around sexual misconduct. The verdict signals a significant shift in how allegations against high-profile individuals in France are addressed, paving the way for more stringent legal and social measures to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.