Veteran French actor Gérard Depardieu has been handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence in Paris for sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021. The 76-year-old, who vehemently denied the allegations throughout the trial, has been found guilty. His legal team has announced their intention to appeal.
The court’s verdict relied heavily on the consistent testimony of a set designer, whose account directly contradicted Depardieu’s evolving statements. She expressed satisfaction with the ruling, describing it as a significant step forward. The claims of a second victim, an assistant director, were also upheld.
Depardieu, absent from the proceedings due to filming commitments in the Azores, was also ordered to pay €1,000 (£840) in compensation to each woman for “secondary victimisation” during the trial process.
The plaintiffs’ lawyer celebrated the verdict as a victory, not only for the two women but also for those who have experienced similar situations within the film industry, suggesting it might signal an end to impunity for such offenses. The timing, coinciding with the Cannes Film Festival, was widely noted.
The judge highlighted the credibility of the victims’ accounts, detailing instances of inappropriate touching and language. Depardieu was subsequently added to the sex offenders register. His lawyer responded by accusing the women of perjury.
The alleged assaults occurred during the filming of “Les Volets Verts” (The Green Shutters). This marks Depardieu’s first trial on sexual assault charges, though further allegations and potential legal actions are pending.
Following the trial, Depardieu resumed his acting career, rejoining close friend Fanny Ardant on a film set. Ardant, a previous defender of Depardieu, and others, including Brigitte Bardot, publicly voiced their support throughout the controversy.
The prosecution emphasized the case focused on Depardieu as an individual, not on French cinema as a whole. Conversely, a plaintiffs’ lawyer described Depardieu as a misogynist and an example of sexism within the industry, while Depardieu’s lawyer criticized the plaintiffs’ legal team’s approach as overly aggressive. Depardieu himself characterized the proceedings as surreal, likening it to a science fiction film, and reflected on his understanding of the judicial process.
The detailed accounts of Depardieu’s actions provided by the two women were pivotal to the court’s decision. Depardieu maintained his innocence, attributing any physical contact to accidental occurrences, but this explanation failed to persuade the court. The trial concludes a significant chapter in the ongoing discussion surrounding sexual misconduct in the film industry.