On March 26, 2025, Fanny Ardant took the stand in the ongoing trial of Gérard Depardieu at the Paris correctional court, passionately defending her long-time friend against allegations of sexual assault. Ardant, an acclaimed actress and co-star with Depardieu in the film Les Volets verts, stated unequivocally, "I have never witnessed a gesture that I would have found shocking." Her testimony came on the third day of proceedings, during which the 76-year-old actor faces accusations from two women regarding incidents that allegedly occurred during the film's production in 2021.
Ardant, who has known Depardieu for three decades, expressed her belief in his character, saying, "Gérard has always given everything like a volcano. With the good, with the bad, with the worst, with the best." She acknowledged his larger-than-life personality, referring to his "big mouth" and tendency to "play the fool" on set. However, she also emphasized that the societal norms surrounding behavior have shifted dramatically, noting, "The world has changed, the society has changed, the references are no longer the same. There are things that were tolerated that are no longer tolerable."
During her testimony, Ardant highlighted the fear many in the industry have faced when considering supporting Depardieu. "Many did not dare to come and defend Gérard out of fear of losing their jobs," she asserted, adding that fear should not dictate behavior or moral judgments. She further remarked, "If I did not come to defend my friend, I would regret my cowardice for the rest of my life."
Depardieu has been accused of sexual assault by two plaintiffs, Amélie and Sarah, both of whom worked on Les Volets verts. The allegations detail incidents where the actor allegedly touched them inappropriately. Amélie described feeling "petrified" during her testimony, recalling an encounter where she felt Depardieu's "savagery". Sarah, the second plaintiff, testified that she was assaulted three times, with Depardieu allegedly touching her buttocks and breasts. She expressed her feelings of shame and fear, revealing that she initially kept the incidents to herself.
In contrast, Depardieu has consistently denied the allegations, asserting, "I am not a toucher, nor a rapist." He expressed confusion over the accusations, questioning why he would engage in such behavior. During his testimony, he stated, "I do not understand why I would grope a woman. I am not a groping person in the metro; there are many vices I do not know. To put a hand on her buttocks, what is that? I am not Emile Louis." His defense team has argued for his acquittal, claiming that no aggression occurred.
The courtroom atmosphere has been charged, with tensions high between the defense and the plaintiffs' legal teams. Ardant's testimony was met with mixed reactions from those present in the courtroom, with some expressing frustration at her defense of Depardieu. Despite this, Ardant reiterated her commitment to supporting her friend, stating, "I believe in friendship and love." After her testimony, she embraced Depardieu, visibly emotional, as she left the courtroom.
In addition to Ardant's testimony, the court has heard from several other witnesses, including Lucille, a costume designer who alleged that Depardieu assaulted her in 2014. She described an incident where he allegedly forced her hand onto his genitals, stating she felt powerless to resist. Another witness, Marie, a journalist, recounted an inappropriate encounter with Depardieu in 2007, where he made lewd comments and touched her without consent.
As the trial continues, the focus remains on the stark contrast between the testimonies of the plaintiffs and the defense's portrayal of Depardieu as a victim of a misunderstood personality. The proceedings are expected to last until Thursday evening, with more witnesses lined up to provide their accounts of the events surrounding the film's production.
With the trial drawing significant media attention, the implications of the outcome extend beyond the courtroom, touching on broader societal issues of power dynamics, gender relations, and the #MeToo movement's impact on the film industry. As the testimonies unfold, they raise critical questions about accountability and the complexities of navigating allegations in a high-profile context.
