PARIS — The acclaimed French actor Gérard Depardieu has been sentenced for sexual assault, marking a pivotal moment for the France’s film industry amidst the #MeToo movement. Although not present in court, the 76-year-old actor was found guilty of assaulting two women on set and was handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence. Additionally, Depardieu is required to compensate his victims with an amount totaling 29,040 euros (approximately $32,350) and has had his name added to the national register of sex offenders.
The incidents that led to Depardieu’s conviction involved groping a 54-year-old set decorator and a 34-year-old assistant during the filming of “Les Volets Verts” (“The Green Shutters”) back in 2021. Despite the serious accusations, Depardieu continues to deny any wrongdoing, with his legal representatives announcing plans to appeal the decision.
The verdict has been praised by the accusers and their legal representatives as a milestone moment not just for them but for women in the film industry in general. The judgement was hailed as proof that impunity for powerful figures is diminishing, a sentiment echoed amid the commencement of the Cannes Film Festival. The sentencing serves as a stark warning and a call for reflection within the cinema community, especially for any who have used their status to abuse power.
The court’s decision, while severe, does not mandate jail time for Depardieu unless he commits further offenses, which is not uncommon in France for various crimes. The judges noted Depardieu’s age and medical condition, as well as his past criminal record, which little information was supplied about.
Beyond the trial concerning these two women, other allegations have surfaced against Depardieu over the years. While famed for his contribution to cinema and with over 250 titles to his name, public accusations from upwards of 20 women have only seen the sexual assault case move legally forward thus far. Several cases were abandoned due to insufficient evidence or because the statute of limitations had expired.
During his court appearance in March, Depardieu dismissed the allegations, maintaining he was not predisposed to the behavior described. Despite admitting to coarse language on set and grabbing the set decorator’s hips amid a disagreement, he adamantly rejected the claim that his actions were sexual in nature. The judges, however, were unswayed by his defense, noting the plaintiffs’ accounts as both credible and consistent.
During the trial, occupied by a pattern of intense cross-examination, Depardieu’s legal team was criticized for an aggressive stance perceived to aggravate harm to the victims, which the judges noted warranted higher penalties. Challenges to the accusations, the court believed, added insult, diminishing permissible defense arguments.
Both accusers delivered powerful testimonies. The set decorator recounted being forcibly encircled by Depardieu’s legs, followed by inappropriate touching. The assistant reported multiple incidents of sexual misconduct involving him grabbing her body.
While some in the cinematic community have rallied in support of Depardieu, including known actors Vincent Perez and Fanny Ardant, new challenges may lie ahead for the embattled star. Allegations remain concerning a 2018 incident where Depardieu was accused of rape. A legal trial for these accusations has been requested for August 2024.
Once a celebrated and dominant voice in French cinema, Depardieu’s reputation is under rigorous examination given his behavior towards women. This case underscores a broader shift, signifying that even giants of the industry are not beyond reproach and scrutiny.