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French Actor Gérard Depardieu Found Guilty of Sexual Assault on Film Set
A Paris court has found famous French actor Gérard Depardieu guilty of sexually assaulting a woman during a film shoot in 2021.
The 76-year-old actor was convicted of groping a 54-year-old set dresser during the filming of Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters). The court will give the sentence later today, along with a decision on a second woman’s complaint.
This is a major case in the wake of the #MeToo movement in France, raising questions about how the country handles sexual misconduct by well-known public figures.
Depardieu, who has starred in more than 250 films and was once nominated for an Oscar, denied the accusations. He admitted to using sexual language and touching the woman’s hips during a heated moment, but said it was not sexual.
What happened on the film set?
The set dresser told the court Depardieu trapped her between his legs as she tried to pass him in a narrow hallway. She said he then touched her private areas and later grabbed her chest. She also testified that he used vulgar language and made disturbing sexual comments, including a rape threat.
Another woman working as an assistant on the set said Depardieu groped her three times. She said he touched her breasts and buttocks without consent.
The women have not been publicly named. The Associated Press does not name people who say they were sexually assaulted unless they agree to be identified.
What punishment could Depardieu face?
Prosecutors have asked the court to give Depardieu an 18-month suspended sentence and a €20,000 (around $22,200) fine. They said he has shown no regret or willingness to reflect on his actions.
Despite the charges, some French actors supported him in court, including Vincent Perez and Fanny Ardant.
Other legal troubles
Depardieu has been accused by over 20 women of misconduct, but most of those cases were dropped due to lack of evidence or legal time limits. However, another serious case could soon go to trial.
Actor Charlotte Arnould accused him in 2018 of raping her at his home. That case is still open, and in August 2024, prosecutors asked for it to move forward.
