On Monday, March 24, 2025, French actor Gérard Depardieu, 76, faced trial at the Tribunal correctionnel de Paris, accused of sexually assaulting two women during the filming of the movie Les Volets Verts in 2021. This case is particularly notable as it represents the highest-profile trial arising from the #MeToo movement in French cinema, following numerous allegations against the actor by about 20 women.
As the trial commenced around 1:45 PM local time, Depardieu arrived at the courthouse dressed in a dark suit, accompanied by his lawyer, Jérémie Assous. Emotions filled the courtroom as two plaintiffs, a 54-year-old set dresser named Amélie and a 34-year-old assistant director known only as Sarah (a pseudonym), sat prominently among the attendees. They accuse Depardieu of sexual assault, harassment, and making derogatory remarks.
Amélie, who reported her allegations to the French investigative site Mediapart, recalled a disturbing encounter during filming in September 2021, where Depardieu allegedly shouted crude comments and boasted about his ability to bring women pleasure without physical contact. This included an incident where he allegedly forcefully grabbed her, violating her personal space and dignity.
The scene was tense as Anouk Grinberg, a prominent actor who appeared in Les Volets Verts, spoke out in support of the plaintiffs, asserting that Depardieu had a history of inappropriate remarks during the shooting process. Grinberg condemned the industry for hiring such an actor, emphasizing that producers must take responsibility for enabling alleged abusers.
Prior to the hearing, Jérémie Assous spoke to reporters, adamantly denying the accusations against his client. He asserted that the defense would demonstrate that all allegations were baseless. Inside the courtroom, however, the atmosphere illustrated the deep emotional toll of the proceedings—feminist activists rallied outside, chanting slogans such as "Victims, we believe you, rapists, we see you," highlighting the societal ramifications of the case.
This trial was initially scheduled for October 2024 but was postponed due to Depardieu's health issues following a heart bypass operation and expired statute of limitations on several past cases. The defense argued for limited court hours, allowing Depardieu to rest as needed due to ongoing health challenges.
Among his supporters seated behind him were his daughter, Roxane Depardieu, and her mother, Karine Silla. Roxane, 33, displayed her rebellious spirit, wearing a black sweater with the message "Fuck you," a clear reflection of her stance amidst the unfolding drama. Fanny Ardant, a longtime friend and actress who has worked closely with Depardieu, also attended the trial, intending to testify on his behalf. However, the presence of past accusers, including Charlotte Arnould, who initially filed a complaint against him in 2018, underscored the weight of the allegations against the acclaimed actor.
The developments in this high-profile case come against a backdrop of a broader conversation about accountability in the entertainment industry. Depardieu has previously faced multiple accusations of inappropriate conduct, yet this is the first instance leading to a courtroom battle. His lawyers have tried to position him as a victim of a "manhunt," echoing comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron, who has faced backlash for commenting positively on Depardieu amidst the ongoing scandal.
As the trial unfolds, Gérard Depardieu could face significant penalties if found guilty, with potential sentences reaching up to five years in prison and fines of €75,000. This case serves as a pivotal moment not just for the actor but for the broader movement committed to addressing sexual misconduct and abuse across all sectors, particularly in the arts.
The courtroom drama continues to capture the attention of the public, as both plaintiffs and supporters express their resolve in seeking justice. This case may just be a crucial turning point, shedding light on ingrained issues within the film industry and prompting a reevaluation of how such allegations are handled moving forward.
