Gérard Depardieu Faces Trial on Sexual Assault Charges in Paris

In a significant moment for the #MeToo movement in France, Gérard Depardieu has been brought to trial over serious allegations from two actresses, marking a major turn in the ongoing struggle against sexual misconduct in the film industry.

Gérard Depardieu, the renowned French actor, faced a Paris court on Monday, addressing charges of sexual assault linked to incidents involving two women who worked alongside him during the filming of "Les Volets Verts," a production by Jean Becker that debuted in 2022. This trial marks a pivotal moment, as it is the first instance in which the actor is legally compelled to respond to multiple accusations of groping and sexual misconduct that have surrounded him for years, accusations he has consistently denied.

The female accusers reported that Depardieu groped their bodies during their time on set. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, along with a fine of 75,000 euros (approximately $81,000). His attorney, Jérémie Assous, defended him by labeling the allegations as “totally false and unrealistic.”

Originally scheduled for October, the trial was delayed due to health concerns regarding Depardieu; he suffers from long-term diabetes and heart complications following a quadruple bypass. Medical reports presented in court suggested that anxiety related to the legal proceedings has exacerbated his health issues.

The trial is considered an important step for the #MeToo movement in France, which has struggled to gain momentum, especially within the film sector.