A Paris court found French actor Gérard Depardieu guilty on Tuesday of sexually assaulting two women on the set of a 2021 film.
The French star received an 18-month suspended prison sentence, according to Associated Press.
The 76-year-old actor was convicted of touching a 54-year-old script supervisor and a 34-year-old assistant during the filming of "Les Volets Verts" ("The Green Shutters").
The case was seen as a significant test for post-#MeToo French society in terms of how the film industry handles allegations of abusive sexual behavior by prominent figures.
Depardieu, who denied the accusations, was not present at Tuesday's hearing.
A legendary career overshadowed by scandal
With a career spanning over 250 films, Depardieu is considered a giant of French cinema. In 1991, he was nominated for an Oscar for his role in "Cyrano de Bergerac."
During the four-day trial in March, the actor rejected the allegations, stating, "I am not like that." However, he admitted to using vulgar and sexualized language on the film set and grabbing the script supervisor's hips during an argument, but insisted that the gestures were not of a sexual nature.
Victims' testimonies: obscene gestures and words
The script supervisor detailed the alleged assault: the actor reportedly trapped her between his legs in a narrow corridor, grabbed her hips, and began touching her on the buttocks and in the front area. The woman pointed out in court the areas where she was touched: buttocks, hips, and pubic area. She also stated that Depardieu touched her breasts.
She added that the actor directed an obscene expression at her, asking her to touch his penis and suggesting that he would like to rape her. She emphasized that the calm and cooperative attitude of the actor in the courtroom was completely different from his behavior on the set.
The other victim, an assistant, claimed that Depardieu touched her three times, grabbing her buttocks and breasts.
Prosecution requested suspended prison sentence
The Paris prosecutor's office requested an 18-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of 20,000 euros for the actor. The prosecutor criticized Depardieu's "total denial and lack of introspection."
Several names from French cinema publicly supported the actor. Vincent Perez and Fanny Ardant stood by his side in the courtroom.
Over the years, more than 20 women have accused Depardieu, either publicly or through official complaints, of inappropriate behavior. However, only this case has gone to trial. Other cases have been closed due to lack of evidence or statute of limitations.
The actor could also face trial in another case. In 2018, actress Charlotte Arnould accused him of raping her at his home. The case is still active, and in August 2024, prosecutors requested his indictment.
A legend of French cinema
For over half a century, Gérard Depardieu has been a prominent figure in French cinema, acclaimed for the versatility and intensity of his performances.
- A favorite of Moscow, Gerard Depardieu denounces Putin's "mad excesses" and donates money to Ukraine
A bon vivant who overcame a difficult childhood and a speech impediment, Depardieu rose to fame in the '70s and portrayed a wide range of characters: from violent rebels to deeply introspective figures.