2025-05-13T08:37:26Z

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In a significant ruling, the renowned French actor Gerard Depardieu has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two women while filming the 2021 movie Les Volets Verts. The Paris court handed down an 18-month suspended sentence to the 76-year-old actor, who has an extensive filmography with appearances in more than 200 movies.

Both victims, who were working behind the scenes on the film, described their terrifying encounters with Depardieu. One of the victims, identified as Amelie and a set designer, courageously testified in court about the incident that left her feeling trapped and frightened. She explained how Depardieu cornered her in a corridor, trapping her between his legs, and proceeded to grope her. “He terrified me – he looked like a madman,” she recounted, detailing the fear that gripped her during the assault.

Despite the allegations against him, Depardieu has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing and has received support from various figures in the film industry, as well as prominent political figures, including French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron previously praised Depardieu, calling him “the pride of France.” However, the convictions have reignited discussions about the culture of silence and complicity surrounding abuse in the film industry. Both victims described feeling intimidated by Depardieu's fame and power, which they believed contributed to their reluctance to speak out at the time.

During the trial, it was revealed that Depardieu not only used vulgar language towards the women but also made inappropriate physical advances. He attempted to downplay his actions, stating that he did not understand what sexual assault meant. His defense claimed he was merely trying to hold onto Amelie to prevent himself from falling, a claim she vehemently refuted, asserting that his account was “obviously completely false.” Amelie expressed the long-lasting impact of the assault, saying she has continued to experience traumatic flashbacks as a result.

The lawyer representing Amelie, Carine Diebolt, emphasized that Depardieu had a history of targeting women in vulnerable positions, asserting that he would never have behaved in such a manner towards a high-profile actress. “He is strong with the weak, and weak with the strong,” Diebolt stated during her arguments in court. She conveyed to Sky News that this conviction marked a turning point, where a figure long tolerated due to his fame was finally being held accountable. “These women were put in danger,” she noted. “This is about a line of offences that he committed over many years that were tolerated by the world of cinema because it was Gerard Depardieu.”

As the legal repercussions of his actions unfold, it has emerged that approximately 20 other women have come forward with similar allegations against Depardieu. Furthermore, he is scheduled to face trial later this year on separate charges of rape involving actress Charlotte Arnould, who alleges that he assaulted her at his Paris residence.

The sexual assault conviction of Depardieu is seen as a pivotal moment within the context of France’s evolving #MeToo movement. His dismissal of the movement as “a terror” during court proceedings has drawn criticism and highlighted the ongoing struggle against systemic abuse in the entertainment industry. In response to the support he received from peers prior to his trial, a coalition of around 600 artists issued a letter condemning the culture of impunity and demanding a thorough investigation into his conduct.

Emmanuelle Dancourt, president of MeToo Media, remarked that the case underscores the enduring issues of silence and complicity in the industry. “Everybody could see Depardieu talking badly to women, putting his hand in the wrong place on a woman's body,” she stated, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability. The fallout from this case may significantly impact Depardieu's career, which has already taken a hit amidst rising allegations against him, including alarming footage from a recent documentary where he made inappropriate comments in the presence of a young girl in North Korea.

As public opinion shifts and calls for justice grow louder, the case marks a crucial step forward for survivors of abuse in France's film industry and beyond, challenging the status quo that has allowed such actions to go unchecked for far too long.