French actor Gerard Depardieu faces trial for the alleged sexual assaults of two women on a film set, a case that places the renowned movie star at the center of France's ongoing reckoning with sexual violence.
A prominent figure in French cinema, Depardieu, 76, has faced an increasing number of allegations in recent years. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and this will mark the first trial he will attend.
Depardieu's lawyer, Jeremie Assous, stated that the case is based on "false accusations" against his client, and he confirmed that the actor is expected to participate in the two-day trial after an initial hearing was postponed due to health concerns.
Prosecutors allege the incidents occurred during the 2021 filming of "Les Volets Verts" (The Green Shutters). They accuse Depardieu of groping one woman on set, pulling her towards him, and trapping her with his legs before touching her waist, hips, and breasts while uttering obscene remarks. Three witnesses reportedly observed the incident. The second woman alleges that Depardieu groped her both on the set and in the street.
The identities of the women have not been disclosed. The alleged assaults took place while Depardieu was under formal investigation regarding accusations of raping a young actress in 2018, a case that is still pending trial.
A lawyer for one of the women stated her client was apprehensive about coming forward against Depardieu, citing fear due to his status as a film industry giant. "It's a struggle between David and Goliath, and they are afraid of retaliation as they all work in cinema but at a much lower level than Depardieu," said Carine Durrieu-Diebolt. The lawyer representing the second plaintiff did not respond to requests for comment.
Depardieu's trial could become the highest-profile #MeToo case to enter French courts, where the movement against sexual violence has not gained the same momentum as in the United States. Recently, there have been signs of change, including Gisele Pelicot's decision to waive her anonymity during her ex-husband's trial for drugging and facilitating the sexual abuse of her.
Moreover, last month, a French court found a film director guilty of sexually abusing actress Adele Haenel when she was underage. Haenel, along with another French director who has become a significant advocate in the #MeToo movement, commented on the progress being made. "One of the great things that is happening is that women who are speaking out against very powerful men are mostly not considered crazy anymore," she said.
However, Godreche noted that it remains uncommon for men to speak out against such issues in the French cinema industry. Last week, a parliamentary inquiry commission questioned several prominent actors, directors, and producers about sexual violence in cinema, with many men, including famous actor Jean Dujardin, requesting that the hearings be held anonymously.