Gérard Depardieu, one of France’s most iconic and controversial actors, has been found guilty of sexual assault. The 76-year-old, long considered a towering figure in French cinema, was convicted of groping two women—a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant—while filming the movie Les Volets Verts (“The Green Shutters”). The incidents took place on set, where witnesses testified to inappropriate behavior by the veteran actor.
Depardieu has consistently denied the allegations, telling the court, “I’m not like that.” While he acknowledged that his conduct on set included vulgar and sexualized language, and that he grabbed the set dresser’s hips during an argument, he argued that his behavior was not sexual in nature. The court, however, disagreed, ruling that his actions constituted sexual assault.
Following the trial, Depardieu was handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence and fined €20,000. The verdict marked a significant moment in a broader reckoning with longstanding allegations against the actor, who has been publicly or formally accused of sexual misconduct by more than 20 women over the years. Many of these accusations, though widely reported, have not advanced to court.
This case is the first and only to result in a conviction, despite the widespread nature of the allegations. Among the most high-profile of these is the case of Charlotte Arnould, a French actress who publicly accused Depardieu of raping her in 2018 at his Paris home. That investigation remains ongoing and could potentially go to trial in the future.
During the trial, the courtroom revealed a divided reaction from the French film community. Notably, actors Vincent Perez and Fanny Ardant, both respected figures in the industry, were present in court to show support for Depardieu, sitting alongside him. Their presence sparked public debate about the persistent culture of silence and loyalty in the entertainment world, even in the face of serious allegations.
The case has renewed scrutiny of Depardieu’s legacy and raised fresh questions about accountability in French cinema. While some of his supporters have framed the actor as a product of a different generation, critics argue that the justice system’s response is long overdue and symbolic of broader societal change.
Once celebrated for his commanding performances in films like Cyrano de Bergerac, Jean de Florette, and The Last Metro, Depardieu’s fall from grace has cast a long shadow over his storied career. Though he continues to deny any wrongdoing beyond crude behavior, the court’s decision sends a clear message: power and fame do not exempt individuals from consequences.
As France continues to confront the legacy of sexual misconduct in the arts, Gérard Depardieu’s conviction stands as a landmark case—one that may open the door to further legal action and cultural reckoning. Whether other allegations against him will proceed remains to be seen, but the verdict underscores a growing resolve to pursue justice, no matter how prominent the figure at its center.
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