On May 13, 2025, the French cinema world was rocked as Gérard Depardieu, one of its most iconic figures, was found guilty of sexually assaulting two women on the set of Les Volets Verts in 2021. A Paris court handed the 76-year-old actor an 18-month suspended prison sentence, marking a significant moment in France’s #MeToo movement. This verdict, aligning with the prosecutor’s request, has sent shockwaves through the industry, raising questions about accountability for powerful figures. Depardieu, absent from the courtroom during the verdict, denied the charges, but the judge deemed his explanations unconvincing. This moment feels like a turning point, not just for the actor but for a nation grappling with its cultural reckoning.
The case has sparked intense debate, with some still defending Depardieu’s legacy while others see the ruling as a victory for victims. As the Cannes Film Festival kicked off the same day, the timing couldn’t be more poignant, urging the industry to reflect on its treatment of women. Let’s dive into the details of this case, its implications, and what it means for Depardieu’s future.
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Gérard Depardieu’s Trial: The Charges and Verdict
The charges stem from incidents during the filming of Les Volets Verts in Paris. A 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant director accused Depardieu of groping them, with reports of him trapping them and making explicit comments. The court heard from witnesses, including actress Anouk Grinberg, who supported the plaintiffs’ claims of sexual violence and sexist insults. Depardieu’s defense, led by lawyer Jérémie Assous, argued he was misunderstood, claiming his actions weren’t assault but part of his “old-world” persona. The judge disagreed, citing his lack of accountability.
| Key Case Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Incidents | 2021, during Les Volets Verts shoot |
| Victims | Set dresser (54), Assistant director (34) |
| Charges | Sexual assault |
| Verdict | Guilty, 18-month suspended sentence |
| Fine | None imposed, despite prosecutor’s €20,000 request |
The ruling has drawn mixed reactions. Actress Brigitte Bardot, a vocal Depardieu supporter, had previously dismissed the accusations, framing them as attacks on artistic freedom. Yet, victims’ advocates argue this verdict validates those who spoke out, signaling a shift in France’s historically lenient stance on such allegations.
Gérard Depardieu’s Legacy Under Scrutiny
Once celebrated for roles in films like Cyrano de Bergerac, Gérard Depardieu now faces a tarnished reputation. With over 200 films to his name, his influence on French cinema is undeniable, but the guilty verdict has cast a long shadow. The #MeToo movement, slower to gain traction in France than in the U.S., is now forcing the industry to confront its demons. A recent parliamentary report highlighted “endemic” sexual violence in French entertainment, and Depardieu’s case is seen as a litmus test.
Despite the conviction, Depardieu continues to work. Last month, he was filming in the Azores with director Fanny Ardant, who testified in his defense. This defiance has angered some, who argue it shows a lack of remorse. Others, including a small but vocal group of fans, believe his artistic contributions should separate him from personal failings. The debate mirrors broader cultural divides—can talent excuse misconduct?
What’s Next for Depardieu and French Cinema?
The fallout from this case extends beyond Depardieu. The Paris prosecutor’s office is pushing for a separate trial involving actress Charlotte Arnould, who alleges rape and sexual assault by Depardieu in 2018. No date is set, but it looms large. Additionally, Depardieu faces a tax fraud probe for allegedly falsifying his residency in Belgium since 2013. These legal battles paint a picture of a man unraveling under scrutiny.
For French cinema, the verdict is a wake-up call. The industry, long accused of protecting powerful men, must now address systemic issues. Activists hope this case empowers more victims to come forward, while producers and studios face pressure to enforce stricter conduct codes. As one advocate put it, “No one can say Gérard Depardieu isn’t a predator now.”
The story isn’t over. Depardieu’s absence from the verdict reading—his whereabouts unclear—adds intrigue. Will he appeal? Can he salvage his career? For now, the focus is on the victims, whose courage has sparked a long-overdue conversation. As France watches, the world does too, wondering if this is the end of an era or the start of a new one.