Prosecutor Seeks 18-Month Suspended Sentence for Gérard Depardieu Amid Sexual Assault Trial
The French actor faces potential conviction for allegations involving two women on a film set in 2021.
PARIS — In a high-profile trial that has evoked discussions around sexual violence within the film industry, Paris' public prosecutor has requested an 18-month suspended prison sentence for actor Gérard Depardieu, should he be found guilty of sexual assault.
This request came on the final day of the trial concerning allegations that Depardieu assaulted two women working on the film 'Les Volets Verts' ('The Green Shutters') in 2021.
The 76-year-old actor is accused of groping a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant during filming.
Depardieu has denied these accusations throughout the proceedings.
The prosecutor urged the court to declare him guilty, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges and requesting an accompanying fine of 20,000 euros (approximately $21,580).
During the prosecutor's statements, he condemned Depardieu's complete denial and lack of self-reflection regarding the allegations.
The actor reportedly showed no visible response to the prosecutor's comments.
If convicted, Depardieu faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros (about $81,000).
The verdict will be determined by a panel of judges, with a decision expected on May 13.
The trial has significance amid ongoing discussions about accountability in the wake of the #MeToo movement, as it challenges the film industry's approach to allegations of sexual misconduct.
Plaintiffs' attorneys labeled Depardieu a sexual predator and characterized him as a 'misogynist' while addressing the court.
They claimed he had a history of misconduct spanning decades, particularly against less powerful individuals in the industry.
The lawyer for the set dresser articulated the power dynamics at play, stating that Depardieu’s celebrity status allowed him to act with impunity.
'When he’s touching women’s bodies, he’s exercising his power over them,' she remarked.
On the stand, Depardieu acknowledged using vulgar language but defended his actions as not sexual in nature.
He admitted to physically grabbing the set dresser during an argument but maintained that his intent was not sexual.
The trial also included testimony from other women who described sexual assaults by Depardieu, with incidents reported in 2007, 2014, and 2015. However, those cases fall outside legal action due to the statute of limitations, which raises complex legal and ethical considerations regarding past allegations.
A further layer to this case involves ongoing legal matters, as in 2018 actress Charlotte Arnould accused Depardieu of rape at his home.
That case remains active, and prosecutors requested it proceed to trial in August 2024.
The proceedings are being overseen by a panel of three judges, as is customary for cases of this nature in France.
Judges typically deliberate over their verdicts for extended periods, sometimes taking weeks or even months following the conclusion of the trial.
This request came on the final day of the trial concerning allegations that Depardieu assaulted two women working on the film 'Les Volets Verts' ('The Green Shutters') in 2021.
The 76-year-old actor is accused of groping a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant during filming.
Depardieu has denied these accusations throughout the proceedings.
The prosecutor urged the court to declare him guilty, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges and requesting an accompanying fine of 20,000 euros (approximately $21,580).
During the prosecutor's statements, he condemned Depardieu's complete denial and lack of self-reflection regarding the allegations.
The actor reportedly showed no visible response to the prosecutor's comments.
If convicted, Depardieu faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros (about $81,000).
The verdict will be determined by a panel of judges, with a decision expected on May 13.
The trial has significance amid ongoing discussions about accountability in the wake of the #MeToo movement, as it challenges the film industry's approach to allegations of sexual misconduct.
Plaintiffs' attorneys labeled Depardieu a sexual predator and characterized him as a 'misogynist' while addressing the court.
They claimed he had a history of misconduct spanning decades, particularly against less powerful individuals in the industry.
The lawyer for the set dresser articulated the power dynamics at play, stating that Depardieu’s celebrity status allowed him to act with impunity.
'When he’s touching women’s bodies, he’s exercising his power over them,' she remarked.
On the stand, Depardieu acknowledged using vulgar language but defended his actions as not sexual in nature.
He admitted to physically grabbing the set dresser during an argument but maintained that his intent was not sexual.
The trial also included testimony from other women who described sexual assaults by Depardieu, with incidents reported in 2007, 2014, and 2015. However, those cases fall outside legal action due to the statute of limitations, which raises complex legal and ethical considerations regarding past allegations.
A further layer to this case involves ongoing legal matters, as in 2018 actress Charlotte Arnould accused Depardieu of rape at his home.
That case remains active, and prosecutors requested it proceed to trial in August 2024.
The proceedings are being overseen by a panel of three judges, as is customary for cases of this nature in France.
Judges typically deliberate over their verdicts for extended periods, sometimes taking weeks or even months following the conclusion of the trial.
