Anticipated Judgment in Depardieu's Sex Assault Court Case
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In a stunning turn of events, the French heartthrob, Gérard Depardieu, renowned for his roles in over 200 films and TV series since the 1970s, faces legal consequences following sexual assault allegations on a film set in 2021.
During a heated hearing in March, a set decorator, Amelie, and an assistant director, Sarah, levied accusations against Depardieu. They claimed that during the filming of "Les Volets Verts," the actor had exhibited inappropriate behavior, including making obscene remarks and suggestions, and groping both women.
Depardieu vehemently denies these charges, maintaining that he is "vulgar, rude, foul-mouthed," but insists he does not touch women. In a day of contrasting testimonies, both Sarah and Depardieu recounted differing versions of the incidents, which took place in September 2021.
Sarah alleged that Depardieu had touched her inappropriately, with the court hearing that she recalled his hand on her buttock. Depardieu, however, claimed he may have brushed against her in the corridor but did not touch her. Sarah pointed out that Depardieu's entourage, namely his dresser, makeup artist, and bodyguard, were absent when she was escorting him from the dressing room to the set.
The court heard that Sarah initially kept the incidents to herself due to fear of reprisals in her profession. She eventually disclosed them to her manager, who contacted the film's production company, seeking an apology from Depardieu. According to Sarah, Depardieu's apology was given angrily, and he subsequently called her names, refusing to work with her.
Throughout the trial, Depardieu enjoyed support from his daughter, Roxane, his ex-partner, Karine Silla, and actor Vincent Perez. Notably, film and theatre star Fanny Ardant spoke up for Depardieu, telling the court she had never seen him make an inappropriate gesture towards a woman.
As a result of the verdict, Depardieu was ordered to serve an 18-month suspended prison sentence for sexual assault. The lead prosecutor also recommended that Depardieu undergo psychological treatment and be added to France's sex offender registry. Notably, this ruling coincides with the start of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, during which Depardieu was bestowed with the festival's best actor prize in 1990 for his towering performance in Jean-Paul Rappeneau's "Cyrano de Bergerac."
Depardieu remains the highest-profile figure embroiled in France's response to the #MeToo movement. He stands accused of improper behavior by approximately 20 women, making this case the first to come to court. Depardieu has also been indicted in a separate case following a rape complaint filed by actress Charlotte Arnould, a charge he has denied.
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[1] "France's Gerard Depardieu found guilty of sexual assault, ordered to undergo psychological evaluation," CNN, [https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/24/eu/france-gerard-depardieu-sexual-assault-sentencing-intl/index.html]
[2] "Gérard Depardieu Accused of Sexual Assault: What We Know," Vanity Fair, [https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2023/02/gerard-depardieu-sexual-assault-allegations]
- The international news headlines are abuzz as French actor Gérard Depardieu, known for his contribution to the entertainment industry, is ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation following his conviction for sexual assault.
- The international community follows the ongoing trial of popular French celebrity Gérard Depardieu, who faces charges of inappropriate behavior, including sexual assault, making headlines in general-news and crime-and-justice sectors.
- As France deals with the fallout from the #MeToo movement, the high-profile case of Gérard Depardieu, an internationally recognized actor, continues to dominate the headlines in the health, entertainment, and international sections of news outlets.
