Gérard Depardieu Convicted of Sexual Assault: A French Cinema Icon Faces Justice

Gérard Depardieu, one of France’s most celebrated and prolific actors, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two women on the set of the film "Les Volets Verts" ("The Green Shutters"). A Paris court delivered the verdict on Tuesday, sentencing the 76-year-old actor to an 18-month suspended prison sentence. In addition to the suspended sentence, Depardieu was fined a total of 29,040 euros (approximately $32,350) and ordered to be registered in the national sex offender database.

The conviction stems from incidents that occurred in 2021 during the filming of "Les Volets Verts." The court found Depardieu guilty of groping a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant on the film set. The case has been widely regarded as a significant test of how French society and its film industry are addressing allegations of sexual misconduct involving prominent figures in the post-#MeToo era.

Depardieu, who maintains his innocence, did not attend the hearing in Paris. His lawyer, Jérémie Assous, has stated that his client intends to appeal the decision.

Reactions to the Verdict

The verdict has been met with mixed reactions. Carine Durrieu Diebolt, the set dresser’s lawyer, hailed the decision as a victory for the two women and for all women beyond the confines of the trial. "Today we hope to see the end of impunity for an artist in the world of cinema," she said. "I think that with this decision we can no longer say that he is not a sexual abuser. And today, as the Cannes Film Festival opens, I’d like the film world to spare a thought for Gérard Depardieu’s victims."

Depardieu’s lawyer, Jérémie Assous, expressed his regret that the court "considered that questioning the accusations is an additional assault… which means that now the defense, even in this type of trial, is no longer accepted." He suggested that the court’s decision could have a chilling effect on the ability of defendants to mount a proper defense in similar cases.

One of the plaintiffs, the set dresser, expressed her relief and satisfaction with the verdict. "I’m very moved," she told reporters after the verdict. "I’m very, very much satisfied with the decision, that’s a victory for me, really, and a big progress, a step forward. I feel justice was made."

Details of the Allegations

During the four-day trial in March, Depardieu denied the accusations, stating that he is "not like that." He acknowledged using vulgar and sexualized language on the film set and admitted to grabbing the set dresser’s hips during an argument. However, he insisted that his behavior was not sexual in nature.

The set dresser described the alleged assault in detail, stating that the actor pincered her between his legs as she squeezed past him in a narrow corridor. She testified that he grabbed her hips and then began "palpating" her behind and "in front, around." She demonstrated the alleged actions to the court. She further testified that he grabbed her chest, used an obscene expression to ask her to touch his penis, and suggested that he wanted to rape her. She told the court that Depardieu’s calm and cooperative attitude during the trial was a stark contrast to his behavior at work.

The other plaintiff, the assistant, testified that Depardieu groped her buttocks and breasts during three separate incidents on the film set.

The Court’s Reasoning

The court, composed of a panel of three judges, found Depardieu’s explanations to be "unpersuasive" and "not credible." The court emphasized the "constant, reiterated, and substantiated declarations" of both accusers.

The court also noted that both plaintiffs had been subjected to an "aggressive" defense strategy "based on comments meant to offend them." The judges considered that Depardieu’s lawyers’ comments in court aggravated the harm to the accusers and justified higher fines.

Support and Controversy

Despite the conviction, Depardieu continues to have supporters within the French cinema world. Actors Vincent Perez and Fanny Ardant were among those who attended the hearing and took seats on his side of the courtroom. French media reported that Depardieu was recently shooting a film directed by Ardant in the Azores archipelago in Portugal.

The case has sparked a wider debate about the treatment of women in the French film industry and the extent to which prominent figures are held accountable for their actions.

Other Allegations and Future Legal Proceedings

This is not the only legal challenge Depardieu faces. In 2018, actor Charlotte Arnould accused him of raping her at his home. That case is still active, and prosecutors have requested that it go to trial.

Over the years, more than 20 women have publicly accused Depardieu of misconduct, either publicly or in formal complaints. However, only the sexual assault case related to the filming of "Les Volets Verts" has proceeded to court. Some other cases were dropped due to a lack of evidence or the statute of limitations.

Depardieu’s Legacy

For more than half a century, Gérard Depardieu has been a towering figure in French cinema. He rose to prominence in the 1970s and became one of France’s most prolific and acclaimed actors, portraying a wide range of characters. He was nominated for an Oscar in 1991 for his performance in "Cyrano de Bergerac." However, in recent years, his behavior toward women has come under increased scrutiny, raising questions about his legacy and his place in film history. A documentary also showed Depardieu repeatedly making obscene remarks and gestures during a 2018 trip to North Korea.