Gérard Depardieu guilty of sexual assault, receives suspended sentence

French actor Gérard Depardieu has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two women on the set of a movie in which he starred, and has been given an 18-month suspended prison sentence by a Paris court. The court also fined him a total of 29,040 euros (around $32,350) and ordered that he be registered in the national sex offender database.

The 76-year-old actor was convicted of groping a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant during the filming of “Les Volets Verts” (“The Green Shutters”) in 2021. This case has been viewed as a significant post-#MeToo test of how French society and its film industry address allegations of sexual misconduct involving prominent figures.

Depardieu, who denies the accusations, did not attend the hearing in Paris. His lawyer has stated that he plans to appeal the decision. The set dresser’s lawyer, Carine Durrieu Diebolt, expressed that the verdict is a victory for all women and called for an end to impunity for artists in the film industry.

Accused by more than 20 women, Depardieu’s long and illustrious career has been tarnished by multiple allegations of misconduct. In recent years, he has faced accusations publicly or in formal complaints from numerous women. However, only the sexual assault case related to the movie set has proceeded to court.

During the trial, Depardieu maintained his innocence, claiming that he is not a sexual abuser. The court found his explanations unpersuasive and not credible, emphasizing the accusers’ consistent and detailed statements. The judges also noted that the defense’s aggressive strategy had aggravated harm to the accusers, leading to higher fines.

The set dresser described the assault, stating that Depardieu grabbed her hips and then proceeded to grope her inappropriately. The assistant testified that the actor groped her buttocks and breasts on three separate occasions during filming. Both women detailed the incidents in court, with one expressing relief and satisfaction at the verdict.

Despite some figures in the French cinema world expressing support for Depardieu, including actors Vincent Perez and Fanny Ardant, the actor’s legal troubles may not be over. Another case from 2018, in which actor Charlotte Arnould accused him of rape, is still active, with prosecutors requesting that it proceed to trial in August 2024.

For more than five decades, Gérard Depardieu has been a prominent figure in French cinema, known for his commanding presence and versatile performances. However, his recent legal issues and allegations of misconduct have cast a shadow over his once-stellar reputation. As the film industry grapples with the #MeToo movement, the case of Gérard Depardieu serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and justice for victims of sexual assault.