In brief
The actor, accused of groping two women, vehemently denies claims and awaits the court's decision.
In a high-profile legal case, French film icon Gérard Depardieu is facing the verdict in his sexual assault trial, which could lead to a suspended prison term and sex-offender registration. The 76-year-old star’s trial, which wrapped up six weeks ago, featured testimonies from two women alleging that Depardieu groped them during the filming of "Les Volets Verts" (The Green Shutters) in Paris in September 2021. Depardieu has consistently refuted the allegations. In his concluding remarks, prosecutor Laurent Guy asserted that individuals can be admirable actors and parents yet still commit crimes. He urged the court to focus on the accused, emphasizing that they are to judge him like any other citizen.The prosecution seeks an 18-month suspended prison sentence along with a €20,000 fine and registration on the sex-offenders list. In defense, lawyer Jérémie Assous demanded an acquittal, describing the plaintiffs' attorneys as overly zealous advocates rather than impartial representatives. The two plaintiffs have related their experiences in court: a set decorator claimed Depardieu physically trapped her in a compromising position, while an assistant director accused him of inappropriate touching on multiple occasions. The accused maintains that any physical contact was accidental.Depardieu expressed his belief that his reputation has been unfairly tarnished by untruths, stating, "My name has been dragged through the mud by lies and insults." For three years, Depardieu has not appeared on screen since the allegations surfaced but has recently resumed acting work in the Azores.Supporters of Depardieu, including actress Brigitte Bardot, have publicly defended him, critiquing societal reactions to men accused of sexual impropriety. As the world awaits the court's decision, this landmark case underscores ongoing conversations about accountability and the treatment of high-profile figures in allegations of sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry.
