The trial of renowned French actor Gérard Depardieu commenced on March 24, 2025, in Paris, where he stands accused of sexual assault against two women during the filming of the movie Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters) in 2021. The plaintiffs, a 54-year-old costume designer and a 34-year-old assistant director, allege that Depardieu engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct, including harassment and unwanted physical contact.
The 76-year-old actor has denied all allegations, asserting his innocence and contending that any physical contact he had with the women was consensual. He claimed in an open letter published in Le Figaro in October 2023, "Never, ever have I abused a woman." This trial marks a significant moment as it is the first time sexual assault charges against Depardieu have reached court, even though he has faced accusations of misconduct from approximately 20 women in the past. Many of those earlier cases were dismissed due to statutes of limitations or lack of evidence.
According to the current charge, he is alleged to have made obscene remarks and engaged in unwanted sexual advances during the filming. In one instance, it is reported that he trapped one of the women with his legs and groped her in front of crew members. Both women have filed formal complaints, with their identities protected under French law concerning victims of sexual violence.
Initially, the trial was set for October 2023 but was postponed due to health issues faced by Depardieu. The actor underwent a quadruple heart bypass and suffers from diabetes, as stated by his lawyer Jérémie Assous. However, a court-appointed physician evaluated him and deemed him fit to stand trial. The proceedings are anticipated to last two days, interspersed with breaks.
The court session has attracted considerable media attention, given the high-profile nature of the actor and the serious nature of the allegations. Public sentiment around such cases has intensified, particularly following global movements advocating for victims of sexual violence. The accusations against Depardieu also arise in the context of prior claims made against him by actress Charlotte Arnoul, who accused him of assaulting her in 2018 when she was just 22, an incident he denies. The investigation around these previous allegations commenced as early as 2020.
Despite his efforts to dismiss the allegations, the prosecutor's office indicated that there are "serious and corroborated evidence" supporting the ongoing charges. The trial has been marked by discussions about the cultural implications of addressing such serious accusations against a beloved figure in French cinema.
As Depardieu prepares for the high-stakes proceedings, it remains to be seen how the court will respond to the allegations. Legal experts note that the outcome could have far-reaching implications not just for Depardieu but also for the broader discourse surrounding sexual assault in the entertainment industry. While witnesses are expected to testify during the trial, an immediate verdict is not anticipated.
This case reflects a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue surrounding accountability for public figures accused of sexual misconduct, with implications that extend well beyond the courtroom. As more allegations surface and society reevaluates its cultural attitudes towards sexual harassment and assault, the attention on the Depardieu trial underscores the importance of justice for victims.
In a world increasingly aware of the need for accountability, how the judicial system navigates such allegations can shape public perception and trust. Observers will be closely monitoring the outcome, as it may serve as a bellwether for handling similar cases in the future.
