Veteran French actor Gérard Depardieu, one of France’s most internationally recognized and decorated film stars, appeared in court this week to face serious accusations of sexual assault. The trial, taking place in Paris, has become a pivotal moment not only for the French entertainment industry but also for the country’s broader reckoning with sexual violence and accountability amid a slow-burning response to the #MeToo movement.
The 76-year-old actor is accused by two women of groping and sexually harassing them on the set of the 2021 film Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters). If found guilty, Depardieu could face a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of €75,000 (approximately $81,000).
This is the first time Depardieu has personally testified in court about the incidents, which have raised serious questions about workplace safety, abuse of power, and systemic sexism in the film industry—issues that have long simmered below the surface in French cinema.
What Happened: Allegations from the Film Set
The allegations stem from events during the September 2021 shooting of Les Volets Verts, a film that features Depardieu in a leading role. Two women—one a 54-year-old set dresser referred to in court as Amélie, and the other a 34-year-old assistant director—have come forward with complaints against the actor.
Amélie testified in court that Depardieu “brutally grabbed” her during production, stating that he physically restrained her by closing his legs around her and then groped her stomach and breasts. She said he made “obscene remarks” and repeatedly commented on women’s appearances and attire. According to her account, the atmosphere on set became so toxic that she felt “trapped and humiliated.”
“I didn’t want to talk about it; I felt humiliated,” she told the court. “I was having a great run professionally, and I knew that if I filed a police report, it would be the end of the film for me.”
The second woman, a 34-year-old assistant, has also accused Depardieu of similar misconduct, including inappropriate touching and sexual comments.
Depardieu’s Response: ‘I Am Capable of Trash Talk’
In a highly anticipated moment, Depardieu testified for the first time on Tuesday. He admitted that he had used “crude and heated language” during an argument with Amélie about a painting on the set, but he firmly denied that his actions constituted sexual assault.
“Yes, I used vulgar language. I am capable of trash talk,” he told the court, adding, “I understand perfectly if she’s a bit upset.”
He admitted that he grabbed her hips during the argument but claimed it was done to prevent himself from slipping and not out of any ill intent. “She didn’t react as if I was assaulting her,” he said. “I don’t touch women’s butts.”
In a moment of self-awareness, he remarked, “I don’t have to talk like that, get angry like that, voilà.”
Controversial Comments About #MeToo Movement
During his testimony, Depardieu made a provocative statement about the #MeToo movement, saying it would become a “reign of terror.” This remark has sparked strong reactions online and in the media, with critics pointing out the irony of a powerful man on trial for alleged sexual misconduct warning against a movement advocating for victims’ rights and justice.
‘Like a Wild Animal’: Testimony from the Alleged Victim
Amélie’s courtroom testimony painted a grim picture of the working environment on set. She told the court that Depardieu was “constantly making remarks about women,” and his overall behavior resembled that of a “wild animal.”
“He wasn’t at all the same man you see here today,” she added, implying a stark contrast between the composed demeanor of the courtroom and the aggressive behavior she allegedly experienced on set.
Her emotional testimony included accusations that Depardieu boasted about his sexual prowess, claiming he could “give women an orgasm without touching them.” She reiterated her claim that the actor physically restrained her and groped her in a manner that was entirely non-consensual and humiliating.
Industry Reactions: Support and Condemnation
The case has stirred significant debate in the French entertainment world, with prominent voices taking sides. Acclaimed actress Anouk Grinberg, who starred alongside Depardieu in Les Volets Verts, has publicly backed the plaintiffs.
In earlier statements to AFP, Grinberg said producers “knew they were hiring an abuser,” and she condemned Depardieu’s persistent “salacious remarks” throughout the filming process. “We need to educate society and the judiciary about sexual violence,” she emphasized.
Conversely, some of Depardieu’s longtime supporters, including actress Fanny Ardant, are expected to testify in his defense. The split has underscored long-standing tensions in the industry between maintaining allegiance to powerful artists and believing survivors.
A Broader Cultural Reckoning in France
This trial arrives amid growing frustration over France’s sluggish response to sexual violence in the arts and entertainment industries. While Hollywood experienced a sweeping transformation after the Harvey Weinstein scandal, France has been comparatively slow to confront similar issues, often framing #MeToo as an “Anglo-Saxon” import incompatible with French values.
But that narrative is changing. Recent years have seen a number of French filmmakers, producers, and actors called out for alleged abuse. Depardieu, as perhaps the most high-profile French actor ever accused, represents the tipping point in that cultural shift.
In 2018, another French actress, Charlotte Arnould, accused Depardieu of raping her. That case remains under formal investigation. Despite these mounting accusations, the actor has continued to work in high-profile roles, prompting criticism of the industry’s complicity and the protections afforded to influential men.
What’s at Stake: Justice, Culture, and the Future of French Cinema
For the women involved, the stakes are deeply personal—fighting for justice in an environment where speaking out can mean professional ruin. For Depardieu, the consequences include possible jail time and the loss of his standing as a national treasure.
For France, however, this is about more than one man. It’s about whether a country renowned for its art and culture can also become known for protecting its workers and holding powerful figures accountable. Feminist organizations across the country are watching the proceedings closely, hoping this trial sends a clear message: silence and impunity will no longer be tolerated.
What Comes Next
The trial is ongoing, with testimonies expected from additional witnesses, including crew members, producers, and possibly other actors. The court will assess not only the legal merits of the case but also the broader environment on set and whether systemic negligence enabled such behavior.
A verdict is not expected immediately, but whatever the outcome, this case will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the French cultural and legal landscape. It is a moment of reckoning—a test of the nation’s commitment to change, equality, and justice.
