In a landmark case that resonates with the ongoing #MeToo movement, renowned French actor Gerard Depardieu was found guilty Tuesday of sexually assaulting two women on a film set, receiving an 18-month suspended prison sentence.
The Paris court convicted the 76-year-old cinema icon of groping a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant during the 2021 filming of “Les Volets Verts” (“The Green Shutters”), marking a significant moment in addressing sexual misconduct in the French film industry.
During the March trial, Depardieu vehemently denied the allegations, claiming he is “not like that.” While acknowledging using vulgar language and grabbing the set dresser’s hips during an argument, he maintained his actions were not sexual in nature.
The two women testified to disturbing encounters. The set dresser described being pinned between Depardieu’s legs in a narrow corridor, alleging he groped her and made explicit sexual suggestions. The assistant claimed Depardieu inappropriately touched her buttocks and breasts on three separate occasions.
Prosecutors requested and the court approved an 18,000-euro fine alongside the suspended sentence, denouncing Depardieu’s “total denial and failure to question himself.”
Despite the verdict, some French cinema figures, including actors Vincent Perez and Fanny Ardant, publicly supported Depardieu during the proceedings.
This conviction represents one of multiple allegations against the actor. More than 20 women have accused Depardieu of misconduct, with another potential trial pending related to a 2018 rape accusation.
A Oscar nominee celebrated for his role in “Cyrano de Bergerac,” Depardieu now faces significant professional and personal repercussions from the court’s decision.
