Gérard Depardieu, the celebrated yet controversial French actor, stood trial in Paris on Monday over allegations of sexual assault involving two women on a film set.
The case is being closely watched as a potential turning point for the #MeToo movement in France, a country that has long wrestled with its response to accusations of sexual violence. The 76-year-old actor is accused of groping a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant director during the 2021 filming of Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters). If found guilty, Depardieu faces up to five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros ($81,000).
Despite the serious charges against him, Depardieu appeared composed as he entered the courtroom, briefly telling reporters outside, “I’m okay.” Inside, he addressed the judges, stating that he was ready to answer all questions regarding the allegations.
His lawyer, Jérémie Assous, remained confident, telling journalists, “We will be able to show in an impartial, objective, and incontestable manner that all of the accusations are lies.” He insisted that the truth would soon become evident and claimed that his client was being unfairly targeted.
The trial has sparked a broader debate in France about the country’s willingness to confront sexual misconduct, particularly when it involves high-profile figures in the film industry. Depardieu, a beloved figure in French cinema for decades, was nominated for an Academy Award in 1991 for his role as Cyrano de Bergerac.
However, his off-screen reputation has been marred by allegations of misconduct, with more than 20 women accusing him of inappropriate behavior. While most of these claims have not resulted in legal action due to a lack of evidence or the statute of limitations, the current case is the first to reach the courtroom.
Outside the courthouse, feminist activists gathered to protest, viewing Depardieu’s trial as a defining moment for women’s rights in France. Historian and activist Florence Montreynaud described the trial as “a historic moment,” emphasizing that attitudes toward sexual violence are changing.
A group of demonstrators chanted slogans like “Sexist violence, complicit judicial system” while dancing to techno music, underscoring their frustration with what they perceive as a slow-moving justice system. “Times are changing. #MeToo has swept through. At last, mentalities are changing,” Montreynaud told French broadcaster BFMTV.
Depardieu’s trial follows a landmark case last year involving Gisèle Pelicot, who bravely pushed for the public trial of 51 men accused of drugging and raping her over several years. Her determination to have the case heard in open court played a significant role in shifting public discourse around sexual violence in France.
However, the country has had a complicated relationship with the #MeToo movement. While Hollywood saw a swift reckoning for powerful men accused of misconduct, France’s response has been slower, with some defending what they call a culture of flirtation and free expression. Critics argue that this reluctance has allowed figures like Depardieu to remain largely unchallenged for years.
Compounding the controversy is the fact that Depardieu was already under formal investigation for rape at the time of the alleged assaults on set. In 2018, actress Charlotte Arnould accused him of raping her at his home, a case that remains active.
In August 2024, prosecutors requested that it proceed to trial. This existing legal battle has further intensified scrutiny on the actor, with many questioning whether his past actions should have been addressed more aggressively before now.
During Monday’s proceedings, prosecutors detailed the allegations against Depardieu, claiming he trapped the set dresser between his legs before groping her waist and breasts in front of witnesses. According to the victim, the actor also made obscene comments and had to be physically restrained by bodyguards.
The second plaintiff, the assistant director, alleged that Depardieu groped her both on set and later in public. Both women sat together in court, their expressions somber as they listened to the proceedings. The Associated Press does not identify victims of sexual assault unless they choose to come forward publicly, and neither woman has done so.
The trial, which is expected to last at least two days, was initially scheduled for October but was postponed due to concerns over Depardieu’s health. The actor, who has undergone quadruple heart bypass surgery and suffers from diabetes, was deemed fit to stand trial by a court-appointed medical expert.
However, the expert recommended that hearings be limited to six hours per day, with mandatory 15-minute breaks every three hours. As Depardieu entered the courtroom, he leaned on his lawyer for support, walking calmly to his seat.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, Depardieu himself remained largely silent during Monday’s session. Instead, his lawyer took center stage, focusing on procedural objections and attempting to discredit the investigation.
Assous alleged—without providing evidence—that police officers were pressured by magistrates to target Depardieu unfairly. “They wanted to make Depardieu fall,” he claimed, suggesting a larger conspiracy at play. Meanwhile, the actor listened intently, occasionally nodding in agreement.
Emotions ran high in the courtroom as one of the plaintiffs broke down in tears while her lawyer read a message she had written about the alleged assault. The second plaintiff placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, a silent but powerful display of solidarity.
Their legal team has promised to present compelling evidence to support their claims. One of their lawyers, Carine Durrieu Diebolt, pointed out that Depardieu had previously apologized to one of the women. “So why apologize if you haven’t done anything?” she asked. However, it remains unclear what exactly the apology referred to.
Durrieu Diebolt also revealed that four additional women who claim to have been sexually assaulted by Depardieu are expected to testify. This could further complicate the actor’s defense and add weight to the prosecution’s case.
Depardieu, for his part, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In an open letter published in October 2023, he stated, “Never, but never, have I abused a woman.” His words, however, have done little to quell the outrage surrounding the trial.
Although Depardieu has kept a low profile in recent months, his presence in the courtroom drew support from a handful of industry allies. Acclaimed actors Vincent Perez and Fanny Ardant were seen sitting on his side of the courtroom, a subtle yet significant indication that some in the French film world still stand by him.
Meanwhile, outside the courthouse, the battle over his legacy—and the broader fight for accountability in the entertainment industry—continues to unfold. The trial’s outcome may not only determine Depardieu’s fate but also set a precedent for how France deals with allegations of sexual misconduct in the future.
