On Monday, March 24, 2025, Roxane Depardieu, the 33-year-old daughter of French actor Gérard Depardieu, made a notable appearance at her father’s trial in Paris, where he faces serious accusations of sexual assault. The trial is centered around allegations involving two women, aged 34 and 54, who claim the incidents occurred during the filming of the movie Les Volets Verts in 2021. This high-profile case has generated significant media attention, not just for the accusations against the 76-year-old actor, but also for the presence of family and friends showing their support.
Roxane arrived at the courthouse wearing a striking black sweater emblazoned with the words "Fuck you," a bold statement that captured the attention of onlookers and the media alike. The choice of attire has sparked speculation regarding its intended message—whether it served as a supportive statement to her father, a comment on the media frenzy surrounding the trial, or simply her personal style. Regardless of the implications, her presence at the trial signifies her ongoing support for Gérard Depardieu amid a turbulent phase in his life.
Additionally present at the tribunal were other notable figures from the film industry including actress Fanny Ardant and actor Vincent Pérez, both of whom have expressed support for Depardieu throughout this challenging period. This demonstrates a division within the French cinematic community regarding the controversies surrounding the actor. Some have rallied to his side, while others, including some prominent actresses, have condemned his actions.
Such accusations are serious, highlighting the themes of power dynamics and abuse within the entertainment industry. Roxane’s family background adds layers of complexity to the case. Born in 1992, she is the third child of Gérard Depardieu and his former partner, Karine Silla, and has chosen a path largely away from the limelight, largely focusing on her career as a painter and her passion for equestrian sports.
Over the years, Roxane has preferred to maintain a low profile, actively avoiding the media circus generated by her father’s affairs. In January 2024, her mother revealed in an interview with Paris Match that Roxane had sought refuge in Africa for several months to escape the intense media scrutiny linked to her father’s issues. This avoidance of publicity underscores the impact these allegations have had not just on Gérard but also on his family.
This trial is not the first time Gérard Depardieu has faced allegations of sexual misconduct; it adds to a growing list of accusations that have been brought against him over recent years. Since the first allegations surfaced, public opinion has sharply divided between those defending him and those calling for accountability for inappropriate behavior in the industry.
Roxane, by co-signing a tribune in the national newspaper JDD in 2022, publicly defended her father by denouncing what she referred to as an "unprecedented cabal" against him. In that statement, she sought to emphasize the perceived disparity between his public persona and how he interacts with his family, portraying him as a "very reserved, delicate, and even prudish" individual when with his children. Her defense illustrates the heart-wrenching conflict between familial loyalty and the serious nature of the allegations made against her father.
The courtroom drama is a notable chapter in the narrative of Gérard Depardieu, who has always been a larger-than-life figure in French cinema. He faces potential legal consequences, including a possible five-year prison sentence and a hefty fine, should he be found guilty of the charges against him. The outcome of this trial could have profound implications—not only for Gérard Depardieu’s acting career but also for his family, particularly Roxane, who has been seen as a caring daughter amid turbulent times.
With the trial fresh in everyone's minds, and amid rising public scrutiny regarding handling sexual assault and misconduct cases in the entertainment industry, the outcome remains uncertain. Roxane Depardieu’s presence and her statement clothing piece will likely continue to be focal points as the trial unfolds, drawing attention to both the complex dynamics within the Depardieu family and the broader conversations regarding accountability within the film industry.
As the trial progresses, many will be watching closely, eager to see how this high-profile case plays out, and what it reveals about the intersections of celebrity, family, and societal expectations regarding justice and accountability.
