In a moment that could mark a watershed for the #MeToo movement in France, renowned French actor Gérard Depardieu is facing trial in Paris for alleged sexual assaults on two women during the filming of Les Volets Verts (“The Green Shutters”) in 2021. Depardieu, aged 76, is accused of groping a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant director. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros ($81,000).
The trial has attracted significant attention, both for Depardieu’s long and storied career in cinema and for the implications it could have on how France addresses issues of sexual violence, particularly in the entertainment industry.
The Charges: What Is Depardieu Accused Of?
The charges against Depardieu stem from alleged incidents during the filming of the French film Les Volets Verts in 2021. Prosecutors claim that Depardieu, during the production, trapped a set dresser with his legs before allegedly groping her waist and breasts in front of witnesses. The set dresser also alleges that Depardieu used obscene language and had to be physically removed by bodyguards.
Additionally, an assistant director claims that Depardieu groped her both on set and in public, during a time when the production was taking place in Paris. Despite these serious allegations, Depardieu denies all claims of sexual misconduct, maintaining his innocence throughout the process.
The #MeToo Movement in France: A Shift in Attitudes Towards Sexual Violence
This trial is not just about a celebrity facing legal consequences; it is also a significant moment for the #MeToo movement in France. While the movement has made global waves, particularly in Hollywood, France has been slower to adopt a similar stance on sexual misconduct within its entertainment industry. Some have even dismissed the #MeToo movement as a foreign import that does not align with French values, especially concerning issues of flirtation and free expression.
However, Florence Montreynaud, a feminist historian, has described this trial as a “historic moment” for women’s rights in France. As Montreynaud pointed out, the #MeToo movement is finally gaining traction in France, and cases like Depardieu’s show that times are changing. This trial could become a defining moment for how the country’s film industry and wider society confront sexual violence and hold influential men accountable.
Depardieu’s Career and Reputation: A Complex Legacy
Depardieu has been a fixture in French cinema for decades, earning worldwide acclaim for roles like the iconic Cyrano de Bergerac in 1991, for which he received an Oscar nomination. However, the actor’s personal life has often been clouded by accusations of inappropriate behaviour. Over the years, more than 20 women have accused Depardieu of misconduct, though most of these cases were dismissed due to lack of evidence or because of the statute of limitations.
The only case that has made it to trial is the one concerning the alleged sexual assaults on the set of Les Volets Verts. This trial has become emblematic of the larger issue of sexual violence in the entertainment industry and whether it is finally time to hold powerful men like Depardieu accountable.
The Trial: What Happened in Court?
As the trial began, Depardieu arrived in court, appearing calm and composed. His lawyer, Jérémie Assous, argued that the accusations against the actor were false, asserting that Depardieu’s side would prove these claims to be “lies.” Assous was vocal about questioning the legitimacy of the investigation, suggesting that police may have been under pressure to frame Depardieu.
Throughout the proceedings, Depardieu sat quietly, listening intently to the arguments being made. He was largely absent from the witness stand on the first day of the trial, allowing his lawyer to speak on his behalf. His lawyer raised legal concerns about the investigation, pointing out flaws in witness testimony and the conduct of police during the investigation.
However, the two plaintiffs, the set dresser and the assistant director, were present in the courtroom, sitting side by side. They were visibly emotional as one of their lawyers read out their testimonies. In the midst of this, the emotional toll on the women was palpable, with one of them breaking down in tears.
One of the accusers’ lawyers, Carine Durrieu Diebolt, presented a key point: Depardieu had apologised to her client after the alleged assault, raising the question, “Why apologise if you haven’t done anything wrong?” This apology will be crucial in the case as it could suggest an acknowledgment of the inappropriate behaviour.
The Stakes: What Happens Next?
The trial is expected to continue for at least two more days, and the verdict will come at a later date. This trial is more than just a legal battle—it’s also a test of France’s attitudes toward sexual violence and how far the country is willing to go to hold its powerful men accountable. If Depardieu is convicted, it could signal a shift in the way the French entertainment industry deals with accusations of sexual assault, particularly involving high-profile individuals.
This trial also follows in the wake of other significant #MeToo cases in France, including Gisèle Pelicot’s courageous pursuit of justice against multiple men who had abused her. The bravery of Pelicot and others has spurred a national conversation about sexual violence in France, particularly in relation to the entertainment industry.
Conclusion: A Critical Moment for France’s Entertainment Industry
The trial of Gérard Depardieu for alleged sexual assault is a defining moment for France. It represents a shift in how the country, and specifically its film industry, handles accusations of sexual violence. As the trial unfolds, we will see whether France is truly ready to confront its issues with sexual misconduct in the workplace and its treatment of women. For Depardieu, it is a personal battle, but for the broader #MeToo movement in France, it could be a turning point in the fight for justice.
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Photo credit: CBC
