French actor Gérard Depardieu, renowned for his illustrious career, is set to stand trial on Monday in Paris concerning serious accusations of sexual assault against two women. These allegations stem from incidents that reportedly occurred during the filming of the movie “Les Volets Verts” (“The Green Shutters”) in 2021.
At 76 years old, Depardieu is facing charges involving groping a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant director. Prosecutors claim that the incidents involved not only inappropriate touching but also obscene remarks. One particularly disturbing incident allegedly saw Depardieu using his legs to trap one of the women before groping her in the presence of other crew members. Both women have formally filed complaints against the actor.
The Associated Press adheres to a policy of not naming individuals who report sexual assault unless they have given their consent to be identified, and in this case, neither woman has chosen to do so.
Originally scheduled for October, the trial was postponed due to Gérard Depardieu's health issues. His lawyer, Jérémie Assous, revealed that the actor has undergone a quadruple heart bypass and also suffers from diabetes. Despite these health challenges, a court-appointed medical expert has deemed Depardieu fit to stand trial. He is expected to participate in the two-day hearing, which will include scheduled breaks for his condition.
From the outset, Depardieu has vehemently denied all allegations of misconduct. In statements made to French radio RMC, his lawyer emphasized that the actor is committed to defending himself in court and articulating his side of the story to the judges. “That’s what we’re going to do,” Assous affirmed.
The lawyer representing one of the plaintiffs, Carine Durrieu Diebolt, expressed confidence in the strength of the case, stating her client is “calmly awaiting the outcome.” Notably, Durrieu Diebolt mentioned that four additional women, who have also accused Depardieu of sexual assault, will testify as witnesses during the trial.
This trial marks the first instance in which Gérard Depardieu, one of France’s most celebrated film actors, is being tried for sexual assault allegations. He has faced public accusations or formal complaints from over 20 women in the past; however, no other case has progressed to court. Many cases were either dropped due to insufficient evidence or the expiration of the statute of limitations.
In a separate and more serious case, French actress Charlotte Arnould has accused Depardieu of two rapes allegedly occurring in August 2018. Depardieu was charged in 2020 with rape and sexual assault in connection with this case, and while prosecutors requested it proceed to trial in August 2024, a magistrate has yet to make a decision on the matter.
In an open letter published in Le Figaro in October 2023, Depardieu made a strong declaration, stating: “Never, but never, have I abused a woman.” As this trial unfolds, it is certain to attract significant media attention and public scrutiny, given the high-profile nature of the actor and the serious nature of the allegations against him.
