Depardieu Faces Probation in Harassment Case: Court Decision
In a groundbreaking verdict, a Paris court has found renowned French actor, Gérard Depardieu, guilty of sexually assaulting two women during the production of his movie "Les Volets Verts." The victims, aged 54 and 34, were a set dresser and an assistant respectively. This high-profile trial, which has shed light on the plight of victims within the French film industry and the broader context of the #MeToo movement, saw Depardieu receive an 18-month suspended sentence and a fine of €20,000.
The court's decision was reached on May 13, 2025, after careful deliberation. Despite Depardieu's denial of the allegations, the evidence presented was compelling enough to secure a guilty verdict. The actor has since announced his intention to appeal the decision.
This verdict is a significant win for women everywhere, particularly those who have suffered in silence. Karine Dury-Diebolt, the lawyer for one of the plaintiffs, hailed the decision as a "victory not just for the two women who worked on the set, but for all women who stood behind this trial." She added that she hoped the impunity of actors in the film industry would finally come to an end.
The case has sparked heated discussions about the treatment of victims in the French justice system and the challenges they face in seeking justice. As Depardieu prepares to appeal, the nation waits with bated breath to see how the appeals process unfolds. The case has also received mixed reactions from the public and celebrities, with some figures like Brigitte Bardot expressing support for Depardieu.
[1] La Croix, "Gérard Depardieu guilty of sexual assault: Paris court delivers verdict," May 13, 2025, https://www.lacroix.fr/
[2] Le Parisien, "Gérard Depardieu convicted of sexual assault: a historic decision for the #MeToo movement in France," May 13, 2025, https://www.leparisien.fr/
[3] Le Monde, "The Gérard Depardieu verdict: a landmark moment in the fight against sexual violence in the French film industry," May 13, 2025, https://www.lemonde.fr/
[4] France 24, "Brigitte Bardot supports Gérard Depardieu following sexual assault conviction," May 14, 2025, https://www.france24.com/
- The verdict, which saw French actor Gérard Depardieu convicted of sexual assault, has been widely covered in entertainment news and general-news outlets, sparking debates among celebrities.
- The guilty verdict against Gérard Depardieu, a prominent French celebrity, is being celebrated as a victory in the campaign against sexual violence, particularly within the French film industry.
