Gérard Depardieu’s trial on sexual assault charges is starting in Paris, marking a significant moment in France’s #MeToo movement. The renowned French actor faces allegations from two women who claim he assaulted them during the filming of the movie "Les Volets Verts" ("The Green Shutters") in 2021. As the trial commences, a culture once dismissive of misbehavior is now compelled to confront its narratives around powerful figures in the entertainment industry.
On March 24 and 25, 2025, the proceedings will unfold in the Paris Criminal Court, where the 76-year-old actor is accused of groping a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant director. The women filed complaints against Depardieu in February and March 2024, detailing not just physical assault but also obscene remarks made during the filming.
Among the shocking claims, prosecutors have alleged that during one incident, Depardieu trapped the set dresser with his legs, groping her in front of other crew members. Testimonies reported that he made lewd comments as he inappropriately touched the women, prompting serious concerns about their safety on set. The public has been reacting strongly, keen to see whether France will genuinely hold its cultural titans accountable.
Notably, this is the first case against Depardieu that has progressed to trial, despite claims from over 20 women alleging sexual misconduct against him. In an open letter published in Le Figaro in October 2023, Depardieu stated, "Never, but never, have I abused a woman." His lawyer, Jérémie Assous, describes the case as baseless, asserting, "He’s on trial for having physically assaulted someone, but there’s no witness."
In December 2018, actress Charlotte Arnould publicly accused him of raping her. That case remains open, and the Paris public prosecutor's office has since requested it go to trial, complicating Depardieu's legal landscape further.
The culture of silence surrounding abuse in the entertainment industry has been scrutinized heavily amid rising public outcry for accountability. Anouk Grinberg, another actress who worked alongside Depardieu, provided her support to the alleged victims, stating that threats of dismissal for expressing complaints were commonplace on film sets. She noted, "Working on certain films with Depardieu, the team was told before filming started: ‘if there is the slightest problem, keep quiet. If you speak, you’re fired.’"
The trial comes at a time when France is still grappling with its own #MeToo moment. While the movement gained momentum globally, France has been criticized for being slow to confront sexual violence, especially regarding revered public figures. Just last year, following the widely publicized case of Dominique Pelicot, who drugged and raped his wife for years, the legal discourse around sexual violence prompted debate about how the laws may need updating to better protect victims.
Interestingly, Depardieu's history of allegations against him raises questions about the justice system in a nation where certain powerful personalities continue to enjoy impunity. The actor has faced prior accusations, including the infamous 2018 allegations of rape. Critics have pointed out the stark contrast between the swift actions seen in Hollywood and the slower response within French cultural circles that have seemingly shielded these allegations from public scrutiny.
The trial's progress has been impeded by Depardieu's health issues, notably diabetes and complications after undergoing a quadruple heart bypass. His attendance at the trial will reportedly include breaks as needed for his health, highlighting the ongoing complexities surrounding the actor’s personal situations amidst the legal battles. Nonetheless, the trial is expected to last two days, culminating in a verdict that could have wide-ranging implications.
As Gérard Depardieu walks into the courtroom, he carries the weight of not just these allegations but also the burgeoning expectations of a changing society pressured to confront deep-seated norms surrounding sexual violence. Whether the French legal system will finally deliver justice or reinforce the long-standing issues of accountability in the face of celebrity remains to be seen, but the outcome may serve as a bellwether for future cases within the entertainment industry.
This trial might reveal new insights into the changing cultural landscape, bringing to light the struggles of the alleged victims who dare to speak out and challenge the impunity once afforded to figures like Depardieu. As the world watches, the verdict will ideally reflect broader societal shifts toward accountability, respect, and the assurance of safety for women both in and outside of the entertainment industry.
