French Actor Gérard Depardieu Found Guilty of Sexual Assault
On May 13, 2025, a Paris court found French actor Gérard Depardieu guilty of sexually assaulting two women on the set of the film Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters) in 2021.
The court handed him an 18-month suspended prison sentence and placed him on France’s sex offender registry. This ruling marks a significant moment for the #MeToo movement in France, where the fight against sexual violence has gained momentum. The case has drawn attention due to Depardieu’s status as a cinema icon.
Details of the Assault Case
Depardieu, 76, was accused of groping a 54-year-old set dresser, referred to as Amélie, and a 34-year-old assistant director, referred to as Sarah, during the 2021 film shoot.
Amélie told the court Depardieu trapped her between his legs, groped her body, and made explicit sexual comments, including a crude remark about his “big parasol.” Sarah reported Depardieu touched her buttocks and breasts on multiple occasions. The court found Depardieu’s explanations unconvincing and contradictory, rejecting his claim that his actions were not sexual.
Judge Thierry Donard emphasized the actor’s lack of credibility. More than 20 women have accused Depardieu of misconduct, but this case was the first to result in a conviction.
Depardieu’s Defense and Court Statements
During the trial, Depardieu denied the allegations, claiming any physical contact was accidental or meant to steady himself. He argued that placing a hand on someone’s buttocks was not sexual assault and suggested some women were overly sensitive.
He admitted to using vulgar language but denied intent to harm. His lawyer, Jérémie Assous, called the case a “nightmare” for Depardieu, insisting his client was innocent.
The court dismissed these defenses, with the prosecutor highlighting Depardieu’s “total denial” and failure to take responsibility. The ruling was praised by Amélie’s lawyer as a “beautiful decision” for victims.
A Storied Career Now Tarnished
Depardieu is a giant of French cinema, starring in over 250 films, including Cyrano de Bergerac, which earned him an Oscar nomination in 1991, and Green Card. Known for his commanding presence and deep voice, he was once celebrated as a national treasure.
However, his off-screen behavior, including allegations of boorish conduct, has long sparked controversy. The guilty verdict has cast a shadow over his legacy, with some in the industry distancing themselves.
Despite support from figures like French President Emmanuel Macron and actress Fanny Ardant, Depardieu’s career appears stalled, and he announced his retirement from acting during the trial.
Impact on France’s #MeToo Movement
The case is a landmark for France’s #MeToo movement, which has struggled to gain the same traction as in the United States. The conviction signals changing social attitudes toward sexual assault, especially involving powerful figures. Protesters gathered outside the courthouse, chanting feminist slogans and holding signs supporting victims.
The trial follows other high-profile cases in France, like the Gisèle Pelicot mass rape case, highlighting a growing demand for accountability. Depardieu’s conviction may encourage more victims to come forward, though challenges remain in addressing systemic issues in the French film industry.
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