On Friday, March 28, 2025, nearly 200 penal lawyers voiced their outrage over the sexist remarks made by Me Jérémie Assous, the defense attorney for Gérard Depardieu, during the actor's trial for sexual assault. This condemnation was articulated in a tribune published on the website of Le Monde, highlighting a troubling trend of misogyny and sexism within the judicial system.
The tribune pointedly criticized the defense's tactics, which were described as indulging in sexism and misogyny, largely due to the "absolute silence of the court" and the lack of any reaction from the bar association. The signatories emphasized that such behavior has no place in a French legal setting, stating, "Repeatedly targeting female counterparts because they are women, adopting a clearly sexist strategy, must have no place, ever again, in a French legal setting." They called for increased vigilance in the fight against gender inequality, asserting that the justice system cannot ignore the rising tide of misogyny.
The trial, which wrapped up on Thursday, was characterized by Assous's aggressive tactics, where he made disparaging remarks not only about the plaintiffs, Amélie and Sarah, but also about their legal representatives. During a pleading that lasted more than three hours, Assous accused the plaintiffs of lying and referred to them as "liars" and "hysterics," a strategy that was condemned as a brutal and misogynistic attack on women in the courtroom.
Amélie, one of the alleged victims, expressed her outrage, stating, "The attitude of Me Assous is absolutely appalling and unbearable." She described the courtroom atmosphere as one of extreme violence towards victims, noting that it was more difficult to face Assous than Depardieu himself, given Assous's aggressive demeanor. "He lies like a tooth puller," she remarked, highlighting the distress caused by his relentless attacks.
The remarks made by Assous during the trial included a variety of derogatory comments aimed at the plaintiffs and their lawyers. He was reported to have said, "Madame. Dear friend. Mademoiselle. Go cry. What's with the hysterical laughter?" Such comments were not only disrespectful but also indicative of a broader culture of sexism that the signatories of the tribune sought to challenge.
In their statement, the lawyers lamented the "absolute silence of the court as a whole" and the absence of any response from the order of lawyers during the proceedings. They asserted that the justice system must uphold the dignity and respect of women, particularly when they are present as advocates. The tribune concluded with a call for accountability, emphasizing that a justice system that tolerates sexism is failing to meet the current challenges of gender equality.
Following the publication of the tribune, the Paris bar association acknowledged that there are established rules regarding the conduct of lawyers in court. They indicated that all stakeholders could have brought the matter to the bâtonnier (the head of the bar), but this had not yet occurred. The bar association stated they would investigate whether there had been any breaches of ethical conduct during the trial.
The trial itself was marked by several explosive moments, including Assous's accusations against the plaintiffs of being part of an "organization" of "enraged feminists". His rhetoric was met with outrage from the courtroom, where many found his comments to be an outright apologia for sexism. The atmosphere was described as charged, with many participants, including the plaintiffs and their lawyers, feeling victimized not just by the alleged assaults but also by the judicial process itself.
One notable incident involved Assous referring to actress Charlotte Arnould, who was also present in the courtroom. He called her a "mythomaniac" and made dismissive remarks about her credibility. Such comments drew audible gasps from the audience, underscoring the trial's contentious nature.
As the trial concluded, reactions from the public and the legal community continued to pour in. Prominent figures, including actress Judith Godrèche, expressed their disgust at Assous's behavior, labeling it as unacceptable. The feminist collective #NousToutes also condemned the remarks, calling them "abject" and emphasizing the need for justice to support victims rather than further victimize them.
In the wake of the trial, the discourse surrounding sexism in the legal profession and the treatment of women in the courtroom has gained renewed attention. The signatories of the tribune are advocating for a cultural shift that recognizes and addresses these issues head-on, ensuring that the judicial system reflects the values of equality and respect.
As the legal proceedings surrounding Gérard Depardieu continue to unfold, the outcry from nearly 200 lawyers serves as a reminder of the work that remains to be done in combating sexism within the judicial system. Their call for change resonates not only within the walls of the courtroom but also in society at large, where the fight for gender equality continues to be a pressing concern.
