Gérard Depardieu Faces Trial in Paris: 2 Women Allege Sexual Assault on Film Set

High-Profile Case Begins in Paris Courthouse

On March 24, 2025, the French actor Gérard Depardieu arrived at a Paris courthouse to face a highly publicized trial over allegations of sexual assault involving two women. The accusations stem from incidents that allegedly occurred during the filming of Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters) in 2021, directed by Jean Becker. This legal proceeding marks a significant moment for the French film industry and the broader cultural reckoning with sexual misconduct, spotlighted by the #MeToo movement. Depardieu, a towering figure in French cinema with over 200 film and television credits, has consistently denied the charges, setting the stage for a contentious courtroom battle.

Details of the Allegations Emerge

The case involves two complainants: a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant director. According to prosecutors, the set dresser alleges that Gérard Depardieu physically grabbed her, trapping her between his legs and groping her waist and breasts in front of witnesses. She reported that he accompanied his actions with crude remarks, including shouting that he “couldn’t even get it up” due to the heat, followed by an invitation to “touch my big parasol.”

The assistant director’s complaint similarly accuses the actor of inappropriate physical contact and obscene language, with reports indicating that bodyguards had to intervene to pull him away from her. These accounts paint a picture of a disruptive and intimidating presence on set, allegations that have reverberated beyond the courtroom.

Public and Legal Reactions Intensify

Depardieu arrived at the Paris courthouse on Monday morning, greeted by a throng of journalists, protesters, and supporters. Outside, dozens of activists gathered, holding signs and chanting feminist slogans in solidarity with victims of sexual violence. The scene underscored the broader societal stakes of the trial, as France grapples with its historical reluctance to confront abuse by prominent figures.

Inside, the proceedings were expected to span at least two days, with the possibility of extension depending on the presiding judge’s discretion. Originally scheduled for October 2024, the trial had been postponed due to concerns over Depardieu’s health, including diabetes and recent heart surgery. However, a medical expert deemed him fit to stand trial, with accommodations such as frequent breaks planned to ensure his participation.

Defense and Prosecution Clash

The actor’s legal team, led by Jérémie Assous, has dismissed the accusations as baseless, arguing that the investigation was biased and aimed at tarnishing Depardieu’s reputation. Assous has emphasized his client’s frail health, noting a recent quadruple bypass, and framed the case as an overreach by authorities. In contrast, the prosecution and the complainants’ lawyers have insisted that the evidence is robust, pointing to witness testimonies and immediate reports made to production staff at the time of the incidents. One lawyer recounted a production manager’s claim that Gérard Depardieu apologized over the phone, admitting it was “no longer the era to do that,” a detail contested by the defense.

A Broader Context of Accusations

This Paris trial is the first time Gérard Depardieu has faced a courtroom over such allegations, despite over 20 women publicly accusing him of sexual misconduct in recent years. Among those present in the courtroom were actresses Charlotte Arnould and Anouk Grinberg. Arnould has separately accused Gérard Depardieu of raping her in 2018, a case still pending a decision on whether it will proceed to trial. Grinberg, who worked with Depardieu on Les Volets Verts, has publicly criticized his behavior, describing it as vulgar and disturbing. Their presence highlighted the case’s significance as a potential turning point for accountability in the French entertainment industry.

Potential Consequences and Cultural Impact

If convicted, Depardieu faces up to five years in prison and a fine of €75,000 (approximately $80,000 USD). Beyond the legal consequences, the outcome could reshape his legacy as one of France’s most celebrated actors. Known for roles in films like Cyrano de Bergerac and The Last Metro, he has long been a cultural icon, though his reputation has been increasingly shadowed by controversy. In a 2023 open letter published in Le Figaro, he denied ever harming a woman, writing, “Hurting a woman would be like kicking my mother in the stomach,” and lamenting what he called a “trial by media.”

France’s #MeToo Moment?

The proceedings have reignited debates about power dynamics in the film world and France’s response to the #MeToo movement. Critics argue that the nation has lagged behind in addressing sexual violence, often protecting its luminaries under the guise of artistic license. Supporters of the complainants see this case as a test of whether the country is ready to hold even its most revered figures accountable. As the trial unfolds, it promises to be a watershed moment, not just for Depardieu, but for a society wrestling with its past and future.

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