PARIS (AP) — Gérard Depardieu won’t just be facing two women who accuse him of sexual assault when he walks into a Paris courtroom on March 24, 2025. France’s most famous male actor will also be confronting a nation that has long criticized its handling of sexual violence, particularly when committed by its most powerful figures.
Depardieu, 76, is accused of assaulting a set dresser and an assistant director during the 2021 filming of “Les Volets Verts” (“The Green Shutters”). While more than 20 women have publicly accused him of sexual misconduct, this marks the first time one of those cases has gone to trial. The allegations are positioned at the forefront of a cultural reckoning in post-#MeToo France, raising questions about whether a country famed for its culture of seduction is prepared to hold its cultural titans accountable.
Prosecutors allege that during the 2021 film shoot, Depardieu trapped one of the women with his legs, groping her waist and breasts in front of witnesses. A 54-year-old set dresser claimed Depardieu shouted on set that he “couldn’t even get it up” because of the heat, then told her: “Come and touch my big parasol. I’ll stick it in your (nether regions).” Following this, she reported that he forcefully grabbed her and had to be pulled away by bodyguards. A second woman, a 34-year-old assistant director, has said she was also groped, both on set and in the street.
In an open letter published in Le Figaro in October 2023, Depardieu denied the allegations, stating, "Never, but never, have I abused a woman. To think that I have hurt someone or made them feel uncomfortable is intolerable to me.” Depardieu added, “I have only ever been guilty of being too loving, too generous, or of having a temperament that is too strong.” His lawyer, Jérémie Assous, labeled the case as baseless, citing Depardieu’s ongoing health issues, including a quadruple bypass and diabetes, and assuring the court that breaks would be incorporated into the trial schedule for his client.
France's historical resistance toward the #MeToo movement has been well-documented, especially when compared to Hollywood's more swift takedown of powerful figures. In France, some dismissed the movement as an American imposition that conflicted with local customs surrounding flirtation and romance. For example, in 2018, actress Catherine Deneuve and over 100 prominent women signed an open letter in Le Monde defending men’s “freedom to bother” women, arguing against the idea that flirtation equated to harassment. Such sentiments were echoed by President Emmanuel Macron, who in December 2023 defended Depardieu on national television, saying, "Gérard Depardieu makes France proud," after a documentary revealed his inappropriate comments to a young interpreter in North Korea. This defense sparked widespread backlash, further illustrating the nation’s struggle to balance reverence for artistic figures with the need for accountability.
Witnesses within the industry share growing concerns regarding the culture that shields abusers. Anouk Grinberg, who appeared with Depardieu in “Les Volets Verts”, publicly supported the plaintiffs, stating, “I felt a sense of shame” on set due to the actor's behavior. Depardieu's off-screen controversies are numerous, having included public incidents like drunk driving and a 2023 documentary that examined footage of him making sexual remarks about women, behavior once overlooked as part of his celebrity mystique.
The trial cannot be discussed without acknowledging the chorus of voices from survivors and advocates who have began breaking the silence. Judith Godrèche, a prominent actor and filmmaker, testified that abuse in the public eye involves inherent power dynamics. Her words before a French parliamentary committee resonate within this narrative: “This is not about desire or love. It is about power. It is about a system that enables silence.” Godrèche has called for reforms, particularly concerning the age of consent and protections for minors involved in the arts.
Reflecting on the cultural implications of the trial, it becomes apparent that the unspooled reverence for figures like Depardieu is fraught with contradictions. His long-standing career, marked by both tremendous artistic achievements and troubling controversies, encapsulates a transformation underway in how France grapples with its storied relationships between power and misogyny. The current trial signifies more than just legal proceedings; it presents an opportunity for societal introspection and ultimately points towards a potential shift in cultural attitudes regarding sexual violence.
As the trial progresses, there's an undeniable sense of anticipation. France is at a crossroad, poised to either reinforce its historical misconceptions of power or redefine its aspirations for a more accountable artistic community. For now, the outcome remains uncertain, but the stakes are high—not just for Depardieu, but for all survivors of abuse seeking justice and affirmation in their experiences.
