The French actor has been accused of sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021. The trial had been postponed for health reasons.
French film star Gerard Depardieu arrived for his sexual assault trial on Monday at the Paris Criminal Court.
The 76-year-old is accused of sexually assaulting two women on the set of the film “Les Volets Verts” (“The Green Shutters”) by director Jean Becker in 2021.
Around 20 women have previously accused him of inappropriate conduct, but this is the first case to come to trial. He is one of the most high profile figures to be accused in France’s #MeToo movement.
The trial is expected to last two days. Depardieu could face up to five years in prison and a fine of €75,000 ($81,600), according to the public prosecutor’s office.
What is the actor accused of?
One of the women, a 54-year-old set dresser, accused Depardieu of cornering her in a corridor and touching her breasts, buttocks and genitals and making obscene comments.
The second woman, 34, worked as an assistant to the director, and also accused Depardieu of toucher her breasts and buttocks on the film set.
“What my client wants is for the trial to take place, but I am also worried about how Mr. Depardieu’s defense will treat the civil parties at the hearing,” said her lawyer Claude Vincent.
The women filed cases against him in February and March 2024 respectively. Actor Anouk Grinberg, who was also part of the film, has expressed her support for both women.
He was also charged with raping actress Charlotte Arnould in 2020, which he has denied. The case remains open.
Depardieu had written an open letter in French daily Le Figaro saying “Never, but never, have I abused a woman.”
He has previously been accused of drunk driving, urinating in an airplane aisle and brawling.
What has the defense said?
The trial had been due to take place in October 2024, but was pushed back due to Depardieu’s health issues. He has had diabetes for over 25 years and has undergone quadruple bypass surgery. He was required to submit health certificates ahead of the trial.
He is being represented by Jeremie Assous, a well-known criminal defense lawyer who said that the accusations are “completely fabricated,” and has claimed there were no direct witnesses to the incidents.
“This trial is going to allow us to confront all accusations with reality,” Assous said shortly before proceedings began.
“We will be able to show in an impartial, objective and undeniable manner that all the accusations are false.”
The lawyer added Depardieu’s appearances in court shall be limited to six hours per day and he shall take breaks when he needs them.
A veteran of French cinema, Depardieu has appeared in over 200 films.
Edited by: Wesley Rahn
DW News
