Gérard Depardieu Faces Court as Sexual Assault Trial Begins, Spotlighting Broader Issues of Sexual Violence in French Cinema

French actor Gérard Depardieu appeared in court on Monday as a trial commenced over allegations of sexual assault on a film set. The case has drawn significant attention as it involves one of the most prominent figures in French cinema and is part of a broader conversation in France regarding sexual violence. The allegations against the 76-year-old actor include claims of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sexist insults, brought forward by a set designer and an assistant producer who worked with him on the film “Les Volets Verts” (“The Green Shutters”) in Paris during August and September 2021.

The set designer, aged 34, and the assistant producer, aged 54, have accused Depardieu of inappropriate behavior, including grabbing and groping them while on set. These allegations surfaced after Depardieu published an open letter in Le Figaro newspaper in October 2023, in which he asserted, “Never, never have I abused a woman.” Following this public statement, the set designer reported the incidents to the police, leading to the current legal proceedings.

Depardieu’s lawyer informed the court that the actor, who is diabetic, would be present throughout the trial, which is anticipated to last up to three days. This trial follows the postponement of an initial hearing that was scheduled for October of the previous year. The actor’s legal team has maintained his innocence, emphasizing that Depardieu has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to the allegations.

This trial marks the first time Depardieu is standing trial for such accusations, despite facing a growing number of sexual assault allegations in recent years. As the proceedings unfold, they are expected to contribute to the ongoing discourse in France about addressing and confronting issues of sexual violence, particularly within the entertainment industry.