French film legend Gérard Depardieu is facing serious accusations, but at 76 years old, the actor strongly denies he is guilty of sexual assault. His trial in Paris has drawn national attention, not only because of the charges but also for the fiery exchanges inside the courtroom.
A Clash of Generations and Values
Speaking openly during the third day of his trial, Depardieu admitted that his behavior and language belonged to a different era. He told the court that he used to speak in a way that is now considered rude and offensive. “Knowing the vulgarity of the old world, today I try to avoid being listened to by the new world – so that I don’t come across as detestable,” he said. He acknowledged that the times have changed, saying, “I am not very much at ease with this new society… I think my time is done.”
Still, he firmly denied any criminal behavior. “I don’t see how it could be fun feeling up a woman, her buttocks, her breasts. I am not a metro-train groper,” Depardieu told the court.
The Allegations: What Happened?
Depardieu is accused of sexually assaulting two women while filming Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters) in Paris in 2021. Both women say he touched them in private areas of their bodies.
One woman, a set decorator, said Depardieu trapped her between his legs, grabbed her by the hips, and used offensive language after a minor disagreement. The second woman, an assistant director, claimed the actor touched her buttocks and breasts on three different occasions. She also said that after she reported the incidents, Depardieu called her a “snitch” and didn’t want her near him.
Depardieu’s Defense: Accidental Contact, No Intent
Depardieu admitted that he may have touched the women, but insisted it was accidental or due to needing support while walking. “There was never any sexual intent,” he said. His legal team, led by Jérémie Assous, argued that Depardieu’s physical condition makes such actions unlikely. The actor is overweight and has difficulty walking, relying on a personal assistant and sitting on a special white box in court decorated with supportive messages.
Assous also pointed out that one of the women appeared smiling in photographs with Depardieu taken at the end of the film shoot. She responded by saying she had tried to play down the events at the time and wasn’t sure if they were serious enough to involve the police. She only decided to come forward after seeing media reports of similar accusations against the actor.
Heated Courtroom Drama
The trial has been intense, with strong emotions on both sides. When asked by the plaintiff’s lawyer whether he thought placing a hand on someone’s buttocks wasn’t serious enough to be called assault, Depardieu’s answer sparked immediate reaction. His lawyer jumped in, accusing the other side of twisting his words to create headlines.
The defense has also accused feminist groups of influencing the women to file charges, while the plaintiffs’ team sees the defense’s aggressive style as a way to scare and provoke them.
Depardieu’s Physical Limits and His Bodyguard’s Role
Throughout the trial, Depardieu has been accompanied by his bodyguard, Massika, who plays a central role in the case. The actor claims Massika’s constant presence makes the alleged assaults impossible. Depardieu also described his own poor health, saying, “My joints all hurt. Basically, my body is bust.”
What’s Next?
This is the first time Gérard Depardieu has appeared in court over sexual assault charges, though several other women have spoken out in the media with similar claims. He has denied all accusations, including a separate rape allegation.
If found guilty, Depardieu could face up to five years in prison and a fine of €75,000. The trial is expected to continue at least until Thursday, with more witnesses and testimony to come.
Gérard Depardieu is one of France’s most well-known actors, but this trial has cast a deep shadow over his long career. He says he no longer understands the new social rules, but the court will have to decide if his actions crossed the legal line. For now, he remains firm in his denial: “I am not a sexual abuser.
The Information is Collected from BBC and ABC News.
