A Paris court on Tuesday found Gérard Depardieu guilty of sexually assaulting two women during the 2021 shoot of Les Volets Verts, imposing an 18-month prison term suspended pending appeal. The 75-year-old actor must register as a sex offender in France and pay approximately €32,350, including medical expenses. Depardieu, absent from the hearing, denies wrongdoing and intends to contest the verdict.
Prosecutors relied on testimony from a set decorator and an assistant director who recounted unwanted advances on set. In March, Depardieu admitted grabbing a crew member’s hips but insisted cultural habits and his “Russian nature” explained the interaction. His defence argued the conduct fell short of criminal assault.
One victim described the ruling as “a victory for women,” and her lawyer said it signals an end to impunity for high-profile figures in cinema. Depardieu’s legal team confirmed plans to file an appeal.
At the Cannes Film Festival jury press conference Wednesday, president Juliette Binoche addressed the case when pressed on #MeToo’s impact. Rejecting the label “sacred monster,” she said he “lost his aura” once the court examined the facts. Binoche added that the festival has kept pace with shifts in industry accountability.
Depardieu faces at least 20 public allegations of inappropriate behaviour over several decades. His appeal will determine whether the sentence and registry listing stand.
