Renowned French actor Gérard Depardieu was convicted on Tuesday of sexually assaulting two women during the production of a film in which he starred. The Paris court sentenced him to an 18-month suspended prison term and imposed a fine totaling €29,040 (approximately $32,350). Additionally, the court mandated that he be listed in the national sex offender registry.
The 76-year-old actor was found guilty of groping a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old production assistant while filming “Les Volets Verts” (“The Green Shutters”) in 2021. This case has been viewed as a significant benchmark in the post-#MeToo era assessing how French society and its film industry handle allegations of sexual misconduct involving high profile individuals.
Depardieu, who has consistently denied the allegations, was absent from the court hearing. His attorney announced plans to appeal the ruling. “This represents a victory for the two women involved, and for all women beyond this trial,” stated Carine Durrieu Diebolt, the lawyer for the set dresser. “We hope this marks the end of impunity for artists within the film industry. With this ruling, it can no longer be claimed that he is not a sexual abuser. As the Cannes Film Festival commences, I urge the film community to remember the victims of Gérard Depardieu.”
With over 20 women accusing him of misconduct either publicly or through formal complaints. Depardieu’s illustrious career has been marred by controversy. Despite his extensive filmography, which includes more than 250 films and an Oscar nomination for his role in “Cyrano de Bergerac” in 1991, only the sexual assault case has advanced to the courtroom, while other allegations have been dismissed due to insufficient evidence or the expiration of the statute of limitations.
During the four day trial held in March, Depardieu refuted the charges, claiming, “I am not like that.” While he acknowledged using vulgar language on set and admitted to grabbing the set dresser’s hips during a dispute, he contended that his actions were not of a sexual nature. The panel of three judges found his explanations to be “unpersuasive” and “not credible,” emphasizing the consistent and substantiated testimonies of both accusers.
The court also noted that the defense strategy employed was “aggressive” and reliant on comments intended to belittle the accusers. Consequently, the judges deemed the remarks made by Depardieu’s attorney in court to have exacerbated the harm to the plaintiffs, warranting higher penalties.
Jérémie Assous, Depardieu’s lawyer, expressed regret that the court interpreted the challenge to the accusations as an additional assault, suggesting that it indicates a troubling trend where the defense is not permitted to contest allegations even in such trials.
Both accusers took the stand during the proceedings. The set dresser recounted an incident where Depardieu allegedly pinned her between his legs in a narrow passageway and proceeded to grope her. She described his actions in graphic detail, stating that he used vulgar language to demand she touch him and implied he intended to rape her. She contrasted his composed demeanor during the trial with his conduct on set.
The production assistant testified to experiencing groping incidents involving her breasts and buttocks on three separate occasions.
After the verdict, the set dresser expressed her emotions, stating, “I am deeply moved. I am truly satisfied with the ruling; it feels like a personal victory and a significant step forward. I believe justice has been served.”
Conversely, some members of the French film community have shown their support for Depardieu, with actors Vincent Perez and Fanny Ardant among those attending the trial in his defense. Recent reports indicate that Depardieu is currently filming a project directed by Ardant in the Azores.
Depardieu may soon face other legal challenges. In 2018, he was accused of raping actor Charlotte Arnould at his residence, and that case remains open, with prosecutors seeking to bring it to trial in August 2024.
For over fifty years Depardieu has been a prominent figure in French cinema celebrated for his commanding presence, talent, and versatility. Overcoming personal struggles, including a speech impediment, he rose to fame in the 1970s as one of France’s most prolific and esteemed actors, taking on a wide range of roles from complex characters to dynamic protagonists.
