Gérard Depardieu found guilty of sexual assault in Paris

French actor Gérard Depardieu has been convicted of sexually assaulting two women during the filming of a movie in 2021. A Paris court sentenced him to an 18-month suspended prison term and imposed a fine of €29,040 (about $32,350). His name will also be added to France’s national sex offender registry. Depardieu, who did not attend the hearing, has denied the accusations and plans to appeal the verdict, according to his lawyer.

Trial outcome and legal response

Depardieu’s lawyer, Jérémie Assous, confirmed the actor would challenge the ruling. He said, “Questioning the accusations is considered an additional assault, which means now the defense is no longer accepted.”

Gérard Depardieu | Credit: X

The court, consisting of three judges, stated that Depardieu’s version of events was “not credible” and described the two accusers’ testimonies as “constant, reiterated and substantiated.” It also noted the defense’s strategy as “aggressive,” with comments that aggravated harm to the women, justifying the fine.

Details of the assault allegations

The two women involved in the case worked as crew members on the 2021 film. One, a set dresser, described how Depardieu trapped her between his legs as she walked through a narrow corridor and groped her from behind and in front, later grabbing her chest. She said Depardieu also made a vulgar comment asking her to touch him and suggested rape.

The other woman, an assistant, testified that Depardieu touched her buttocks and breasts in three separate incidents. Both women gave detailed accounts in court, with the set dresser saying that Depardieu’s composed behaviour in court was far removed from his actions on set.

After the verdict, the set dresser told reporters, “That’s a victory for me, really, and a big progress, a step forward. I feel justice was made.”

Past allegations and support within the industry

Depardieu, who has appeared in over 250 films and was nominated for an Oscar in 1991, has faced accusations of inappropriate behaviour from more than 20 women in recent years. However, only this case has gone to trial, as others were dropped due to lack of evidence or time limitations.

Despite the trial, the actor continues to receive support from some in the film industry. Actors Vincent Perez and Fanny Ardant were present in court in support of him. Depardieu was also reportedly working on a film with Ardant in Portugal’s Azores islands last week.

More legal trouble may follow

Depardieu may face another trial soon. In 2018, actor Charlotte Arnould accused him of rape. That case remains open, and prosecutors have requested it move to trial as of August 2024.

For decades, Depardieu was a major figure in French cinema, known for his wide range and strong screen presence. But scrutiny of his behaviour has intensified in recent years, particularly after a 2018 documentary showed him making inappropriate gestures and remarks during a visit to North Korea.

Lawyers representing the women said the verdict marked a step forward for accountability in the film industry. Carine Durrieu Diebolt, the set dresser’s lawyer, said, “We hope to see the end of impunity for an artist in the world of cinema.”

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