French cinema legend Gerard Depardieu was found guilty of sexual assault by a Paris court on Tuesday, following accusations from two women who worked with him on a 2021 film set. The 76-year-old actor was handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence and fined €29,040 ($32,350). Depardieu’s lawyer confirmed plans to appeal the ruling, reports AFP/ France 24.
The court also ordered that Depardieu be placed on France's sex offenders' register. Depardieu, who was absent from the court for the verdict, denied the allegations but admitted to being vulgar and foul-mouthed. He maintained he had never engaged in sexual misconduct.
The case stems from accusations made by two women who worked on the set of the 2021 film "Les Volets Verts" ("The Green Shutters"). One of the plaintiffs, a 54-year-old set dresser, accused Depardieu of physically restraining her and groping her, while the second plaintiff, a 34-year-old assistant director, said Depardieu assaulted her on multiple occasions.
Throughout the trial, Depardieu received public support from his daughter Roxane and French actress Brigitte Bardot. However, his defense was widely criticized for using sexist tactics to discredit the plaintiffs.
This conviction comes as part of France's broader reckoning with sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry, with many calling for greater accountability. Depardieu is also facing another case regarding rape allegations filed by actress Charlotte Arnould.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
