French actor Gérard Depardieu found guilty of sexual assault

French actor Gérard Depardieu was found guilty Tuesday of sexually assaulting a crew member during the filming of Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters) in 2021. 

Depardieu, 76, was convicted of groping a 54-year-old set dresser while on set. According to the court, he touched her hips and chest inappropriately after cornering her in a narrow hallway. The woman described the assault in graphic terms, alleging the actor "palpated" her body and made an obscene suggestion that she touch him. She also claimed Depardieu told her he wanted to rape her. “The actor’s calm and cooperative attitude during the trial bore no resemblance to his behavior at work,” she told the court.

A second woman, an assistant on the same production, has also accused Depardieu of groping her on three separate occasions, including touching her buttocks and breasts. Judges are expected to issue a ruling on her complaint later Tuesday.

During the four-day trial in March, Depardieu denied that his actions were sexual in nature. While he admitted to grabbing the set dresser’s hips during an argument and acknowledged using crude language, he insisted, “I’m not like that.” He also emphasized his long-standing career, noting he has worked on more than 250 films.

Paris prosecutors recommended an 18-month suspended prison sentence and a 20,000 euro (USD 22,200) fine, citing the actor’s "total denial and failure to question himself."

Despite the allegations, Depardieu has maintained support from several high-profile figures in the French film industry. Actors Vincent Perez and Fanny Ardant appeared in court on his behalf.

Depardieu, once an internationally celebrated actor and Oscar nominee for Cyrano de Bergerac, has faced mounting allegations in recent years. More than 20 women have accused him of harassment or assault, though most complaints have not resulted in charges due to expired statutes of limitations or lack of evidence.

One case, however, may soon bring him back to court. In 2018, actor Charlotte Arnould accused Depardieu of raping her at his home. That investigation remains active, and prosecutors formally requested in August 2024 that it proceed to trial.

The outcome of this case could signal a broader shift in how France handles high-profile sexual assault allegations—especially when the accused holds celebrity status.