French Actor Gérard Depardieu Found Guilty of S*xual Assault in France; Here’s What His Sentence Looks Like

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French actor Gerard Depardieu has been convicted for sexually assaulting two women on a movie set in 2021. A court in Paris sentenced the 76-year-old actor to 18 months in prison on May 13, as reported by Reuters and Associated Press.

In addition to the fine of around $32,350 (approximately 29,040 euros), the court mandated that the actor be added to the national sex offender database. However, Depardieu was not present at the court proceedings. His legal representative informed the Associated Press that an appeal would be filed against this ruling. He has vehemently denied all allegations levied against him.

The situation originated from accusations by two crew members who worked on Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters) in 2021. One of the accusers, a 54-year-old set decorator named Amelie K., testified that Depardieu inappropriately touched her frequently, pinning her between his legs. “He even touched my breasts,” she stated to the court, as reported by Reuters. “I was terrified and he was laughing.

She additionally declared that she was powerless to break free until another team member intervened. “I made attempts to break free and remove his hands, but I couldn’t,” she stated, according to The New York Times. “He scared me, he laughed hysterically, he seemed like a madman.

Depardieu contended that he grasped the woman’s hips merely to prevent himself from falling, and he didn’t consider touching someone’s backside as a form of sexual harassment.

According to Judge Thierry Donard, Depardieu’s explanation of events was deemed unreliable and his statements were found to be unpersuasive. The court determined that two witnesses corroborated the victim’s story. This decision is being hailed as a significant stride in recognizing victims of workplace harassment within the French film industry.

Amelie K.’s legal representative commended the judgment, describing it as a ‘graceful resolution’ that granted acknowledgement to those impacted by the actor’s behavior.

Renowned French actor Gerard Depardieu has been involved in more than 20 alleged instances of sexual misconduct as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. His upcoming court case is widely recognized as one of the most significant #MeToo incidents in France.

While the #MeToo movement has made significant strides worldwide, its influence in France has progressed at a more gradual pace. Nevertheless, there’s been a noticeable shift in perspectives on sexual misconduct within the country over recent times.

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2025-05-13 14:47