Gérard Depardieu in Court Over Sexual Assault Allegations
Paris — The trial of iconic French actor Gérard Depardieu commenced this week in Paris, where he faces accusations of sexually assaulting two women during the filming of “Les Volets Verts” (“The Green Shutters”) in 2021. The allegations include incidents involving a set designer, aged 34, and an assistant producer, aged 54, who claim that Depardieu groped them while working on the film in August and September of that year.
Depardieu’s Defense
During his first court appearance on Tuesday, Depardieu denied the allegations, stating, “I don’t see why I would grope a woman, her buttocks, her breasts. I’m not somebody who rubs himself up against people on the metro.” He expressed the emotional weight of standing trial, emphasizing his desire to clear his name.
The Timing of Allegations
Notably, the two women did not report the alleged incidents until recently. Their decision to come forward was influenced by an open letter authored by Depardieu in Le Figaro in October 2023, in which he firmly denied ever abusing a woman. Following this, the set designer initiated a police report citing sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sexist remarks.
Health Concerns and Trial Logistics
Initially scheduled to commence in October, the trial faced delays due to Depardieu’s health issues. The 76-year-old actor, who is diabetic and recently underwent quadruple-bypass heart surgery, was determined fit to attend. However, court proceedings are modified to accommodate his health, limited to six-hour sessions and with frequent breaks if needed.
This week’s court session was intended to span just two days but may extend further if Depardieu’s health necessitates additional breaks during the proceedings. His lawyer, Jérémie Assous, shared that the actor was eager to present his side of the story and characterized the allegations as falsehoods.
Public Reaction
Outside the courthouse, protests have emerged, with numerous women gathered to highlight the systemic issues of sexism and impunity facing sexual offenders within the French film industry. Demonstrators expressed support for the victims, showcasing banners with messages such as “Victims, we believe you; rapists, we see you” and “Touch one, you answer to all.”
Previous Allegations and Legal Context
Gérard Depardieu’s reputation has been complicated by numerous allegations of sexual misconduct involving more than a dozen women in the film sector. Many such claims emerged years after the events, leading to a legal situation where he cannot be prosecuted for those past allegations under French law.
Notably, Depardieu left France about a decade ago, citing dissatisfaction with tax increases, and has since held citizenship in both Russia and Dubai, maintaining a controversial public profile. If convicted in this current case, he faces a sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine that could amount to roughly $80,000.
As the trial continues, the legal and social implications of high-profile cases like this resonate far beyond the courtroom, affecting conversations about consent and accountability in contemporary society.
