On March 25, 2025, renowned French actor Gérard Depardieu spoke for the first time during his trial at the correctional court in Paris, where he faces serious charges of sexual assault directed at two women associated with the 2021 filming of the movie Les Volets verts. The courtroom was filled with anticipation as Depardieu vehemently denied the allegations, stating, "Je ne suis pas Émile Louis!" This phrase, along with other remarks, set the stage for a contentious and emotional day.
The trial commenced on March 24, with accusations focusing on inappropriate physical contact made by Depardieu against the plaintiffs, one of whom identified herself as Amélie. The incidents are said to have occurred during the filming in the south of France, where both plaintiffs were involved in production roles. Amélie alleges that Depardieu engaged in unwarranted touching, claiming that he had grabbed her in an intimate manner.
Depardieu, now 76 years old and reportedly weighing 150 kg, addressed the court to clarify his actions. He admitted to having made physical contact with Amélie, confirming that he had placed his hands on her hips. However, he stoutly refuted accusations of any further inappropriate contact, arguing, "Je ne vais pas m’amuser à 76 ans et 150 kilos à mettre la main aux fesses sur un plateau de cinéma et même ailleurs!" His defense hinged on both a physical rationale and a broader dismissal of the allegations, describing his behavior as 'virulent' but not criminal.
The atmosphere in the courtroom was tense, reflecting the serious nature of the accusations. Depardieu attempted to contextualize his behavior by mentioning the pressure of filming, saying, "C’est très émotionnant" as he described the stressful environment of the shoot. He maintained that any perceived misconduct stemmed from simple frustration with professional dynamics on set rather than malicious intent.
Amélie, on the stand, offered a starkly different account. She described an incident where Depardieu allegedly trapped her between his legs and made a graphic comment, saying, "Viens toucher mon gros parasol, je vais te le foutre dans la chatte." This statement shocked those present and was cited as a crucial piece of evidence, underscoring the gravity of the allegations against him.
Throughout the proceedings, Depardieu characterized the media coverage of the case as invasive and damaging, expressing distress over the portrayal of his personality over the last three years. Reflecting on his public image, he lamented, "Avec ce que je lis sur moi depuis trois ans, j’ai honte de moi. Je ne peux même plus faire un pas.” His sentiments reveal the actor's perception of the ongoing media scrutiny as 'instrumentalized' and unfair.
While Depardieu expressed regret over his choice of words that might have offended the plaintiffs, he insisted he was not guilty of the more egregious behaviors he is accused of. He remarked, "Il y a des tas de vices que je ne connais pas," distancing himself from any potential criminality associated with his remarks or actions.
The courtroom proceedings highlighted not just the specific allegations but also the complexities of navigating celebrity status, public perception, and personal accountability within the world of film. As the trial continues, both Depardieu's legal team and the prosecution will delve deeper into witness testimonies and evidence as they seek a resolution to these serious charges.
Depardieu faces up to five years in prison and a €75,000 fine if convicted. The results of this trial could significantly impact not only his career but also raise further discussions about sexual misconduct within the entertainment industry.
As spectators await the court's final verdict, the implications of this trial resonate far beyond the courtroom, stirring conversations about power dynamics, consent, and accountability in Hollywood. It serves as a pivotal moment in how society addresses allegations of misconduct, particularly in a profession where influence can often supersede ethics.
