The trial of Gérard Depardieu for sexual assault accusations began on March 25, 2025, in Paris, following delays due to the veteran actor's health. At 76, Depardieu arrived at the courthouse accompanied by his lawyer, Jérémie Assous, amidst numerous allegations of sexual abuse that have swirled around him for the past year. However, this marks the first time he is facing trial on such serious charges.
Joining him in court were family members, including his daughter, Roxane Depardieu, and actors Vincent Perez and Karine Silla, the mother of his daughter. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as journalists and court officials settled into their places. Depardieu, dressed in a black jacket and shirt, appeared to grimace in discomfort as he made his way to the front of the courtroom.
Assous asserted to the press, "All accusations are false" and confidently added, "The truth is on our side." His defense strategy included a request to annul the trial on grounds that the investigation had not been thoroughly executed, but this was promptly rejected by the court. Subsequently, the defense team submitted around 300 pages of documents for review, which triggered protests from the prosecution, who regarded this as a dilatory tactic.
Outside the courthouse, a group of women's rights activists rallied, displaying banners reading 'Credem în victime!' (We believe in victims!). The case revolves around allegations made by two women from the production of Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters, 2021), directed by Jean Becker. The first woman claims Depardieu cornered her in a hallway, where he allegedly touched her breasts, posterior, and genital area while using lewd language; she filed her complaint in February 2024. The second accuser, an assistant director, reported similar misconduct, alleging that Depardieu groped her on set and harassed her. She approached the courts with her accusations in March 2024.
If convicted, Depardieu faces a maximum of five years imprisonment and a fine of €75,000, according to Parisian prosecutors. Last October, the trial was postponed due to Depardieu's ongoing health issues, which have included diabetes for over 25 years and a recent quadruple bypass surgery, prompting the court to inquire about his medical documentation before proceeding.
The trial is expected to last at least until Wednesday, March 26, 2025, with court sessions limited to six hours, interspersed with 15-minute breaks. The judge has placed precise restrictions on the duration of each hearing to uphold proper courtroom decorum.
Assous, noted for his provocative style in criminal defense, was responsible for obtaining the trial’s previous postponement last fall. He faces immense pressure as he defends a man who has starred in over 200 films but now stands accused of deeply troubling behavior. Depardieu firmly denies all charges against him, labeling them as "completely fabricated" and underscoring a lack of direct witnesses to support these allegations.
In a reflective letter published in the newspaper Le Figaro in October 2023, Depardieu characterized himself as “the victim of a media-fueled lynching justice.” While he confessed to having a past marked by provocation and arrogance, he vehemently denies being a rapist and asserted he has never abused a woman.
The unfolding courtroom drama not only spotlights the legal challenges faced by a high-profile figure but also echoes the broader societal conversation surrounding sexual abuse and accountability. As the trial progresses, both sides will release critical evidence and testimonies that could sway the court's decision and, more broadly, influence public opinion.
As one of France's most revered actors enters this chapter of his life, many are watching not only to see the outcome of the trial but to observe how the justice system handles such explosive allegations against a figure so entrenched in the cultural landscape.
The coming days are sure to provide more insights into the events involving Gérard Depardieu and the accusations surrounding him. This case encapsulates both the complexities of celebrity culture and the pressing need for victims to be heard, as they seek justice in the public eye.
