French actor Gérard Depardieu stands trial in Paris for alleged sexual assaults

Gérard Depardieu Faces Trial in Paris for Alleged Sexual Assaults on Film Set

Paris, March 25, 2025 — French actor Gérard Depardieu appeared in court on Monday to face charges of sexually assaulting two women on the set of the 2021 film Les Volets Verts (“The Green Shutters”). The trial marks a significant moment in France’s reckoning with sexual violence, particularly in the entertainment industry, and is seen as a key test of the #MeToo movement’s influence in the country.

Depardieu, 76, is accused of groping a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant director during the production of the film. If convicted, the actor faces up to five years in prison and a fine of €75,000 ($81,000). However, Depardieu has consistently denied the allegations. In brief comments to the press outside the courtroom, he stated, “I’m ok,” while his attorney, Jérémie Assous, assured journalists that the defense would demonstrate that the accusations were lies. “The truth will be obvious and the truth is on our side,” Assous said.

The trial comes as a critical test of France’s evolving attitude toward sexual violence. While Hollywood has seen numerous high-profile men fall in the wake of the #MeToo movement, France has been slower to confront similar issues within its film industry. Depardieu, a celebrated actor with a career spanning decades, has faced accusations from over 20 women, although this is the first case to reach trial. Some previous allegations were dropped due to lack of evidence or expired statutes of limitation.

A Historic Moment for Women’s Rights

The trial has drawn significant attention from both the public and feminist activists. Historian and feminist Florence Montreynaud described the proceedings as a “historic moment” for women’s rights. A group of demonstrators gathered outside the courtroom, chanting “Sexist violence, complicit judicial system,” and celebrating the growing shift in societal attitudes. “Times are changing. #MeToo has swept through. At last, mentalities are changing,” Montreynaud told French broadcaster BFMTV.

This trial follows other high-profile legal battles in France, including the case of Gisèle Pelicot, who fought for her rape trial to be held in open court. Pelicot’s bravery has been a powerful symbol for those advocating for more transparent and accountable legal processes in sexual assault cases.

Prosecutors Detail Alleged Assaults

The prosecution alleges that Depardieu sexually assaulted the set dresser by trapping her with his legs and groping her waist and breasts in front of witnesses. She also claims that the actor used obscene language and had to be separated by bodyguards. The assistant director has similarly accused Depardieu of groping her both on set and in a public street.

During the trial, the two women sat together in the courtroom. Both have chosen not to publicly disclose their identities. According to their lawyers, Depardieu had previously apologized to one of the women, though it remains unclear whether this apology was related to the alleged assaults.

Legal Arguments and Defense Strategy

Depardieu’s defense team has attempted to cast doubt on the credibility of the plaintiffs and the police investigation. Assous suggested that the investigation was influenced by external pressures, claiming without evidence that magistrates had ordered police to target Depardieu.

The trial is expected to last at least two days, although it could extend if more time is needed. A verdict is anticipated at a later date. Depardieu, who has undergone a quadruple heart bypass and suffers from diabetes, has been deemed fit to stand trial, though the court has limited hearing times to six hours per day with breaks for his health.

As the trial continues, it remains a critical moment in the ongoing conversation about sexual violence, justice, and accountability in both the French legal system and the entertainment industry.

Depardieu’s Past and Public Image

Depardieu has long been a beloved figure in French cinema, celebrated for roles such as Cyrano de Bergerac in 1991, for which he earned an Oscar nomination. However, his off-screen behavior has often made headlines, with multiple women accusing him of misconduct over the years. While the majority of those cases have not led to legal action, this trial brings fresh scrutiny to the actor’s reputation.

As the proceedings unfold, supporters of both the actor and the plaintiffs will continue to follow the case closely, watching for any shifts in France’s willingness to hold powerful figures accountable for allegations of sexual violence.

This trial will undoubtedly have broader implications for the future of France’s cultural industry and its engagement with the #MeToo movement.