Gerard Depardieu has been a towering father figure of French movies for more than five decades. But throughout his mammoth career, the Oscar-nominated actor has faced a history of serious sexual misconduct, lewd behaviour, and controversies. Now this recent conviction has put a dark shadow over his future.
French actor Gérard Depardieu has been convicted of sexually assaulting two women during the filming of Les Volets Verts in 2021. A Paris court on Tuesday, May 13, gave him a suspended sentence of 18 months and ordered him to be added to the national sex offender registry.
Depardieu, now 76, was considered a father figure and celebrated as one of France’s greatest actors, and has starred in over 230 films. But in recent years, more than 20 women have accused him of sexual misconduct or assault. This is the first case to go to trial.
The victims in the 2021 case were a set decorator and an assistant director. Amélie, the decorator, said Depardieu grabbed her waist, locked her between his legs, and groped her. The assistant director said he touched her breasts and buttocks multiple times.
The judge called their accounts "coherent and consistent" and supported by evidence. One victim will receive €15,000 in damages, and the other €14,040, including medical expenses.
However, Depardieu denied the allegations. “I respect people. I like to help people,” he said during the trial. He also claimed he belonged to a different era, suggesting his bold personality clashes with today’s expectations. In his defence, his lawyer said that he would appeal.
This case adds to a long list of controversies in Depardieu’s life. In 2020, he was charged with raping actor Charlotte Arnould. In 1991, Time magazine published an interview where he appeared to admit to multiple rapes during childhood. He later denied it by saying it was a translation error.
His behavior has long raised eyebrows—from urinating on a plane to befriending leaders like Vladimir Putin. In 2013, he received Russian citizenship and later criticized the invasion of Ukraine.
In a 2023 TV report, The Fall of the Ogre, exposed disturbing remarks Depardieu made in North Korea about an underage girl.
After that incident, French President Emmanuel Macron seemed to favor him, saying Depardieu remains a 'towering actor who makes France proud.”
Another famous French Film icon, Brigitte Bardot, comes to his defence, making an outrageous comment, “Those who have talent and put their hands on a girl’s bottom are thrown in the gutter.”
Undoubtedly, this is one of the high-profile #MeToo cases to come before judges in France, as this movement did not get the limelight as in the USA.
Gérard Depardieu is a renowned French actor born in 1948 in Châteauroux, France. He has appeared in over 250 films since 1967, known for his versatility and powerful screen presence. He won two César Awards for Best Actor and was nominated for an Academy Award for "Cyrano de Bergerac" (1990).
French actor Gérard Depardieu was found guilty of sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021. He was convicted of groping a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant during the filming of "Les Volets Verts" and received an 18-month suspended prison sentence along with a fine.
Gérard Depardieu was sentenced to an 18-month suspended prison term and fined €20,000 for sexually assaulting two women on a 2021 film set. Additionally, he was ordered to be registered on France’s sex offender list. He could face up to five years in prison if convicted without suspension.
Yes, Gérard Depardieu has faced multiple accusations of sexual misconduct, with around 20 women publicly accusing him of inappropriate behavior. Other allegations, including a 2018 rape accusation by actress Charlotte Arnould, are still under investigation or pending trial.
Depardieu, now 76, was considered a father figure and celebrated as one of France’s greatest actors, and has starred in over 230 films. But in recent years, more than 20 women have accused him of sexual misconduct or assault. This is the first case to go to trial.
The victims in the 2021 case were a set decorator and an assistant director. Amélie, the decorator, said Depardieu grabbed her waist, locked her between his legs, and groped her. The assistant director said he touched her breasts and buttocks multiple times.
The judge called their accounts "coherent and consistent" and supported by evidence. One victim will receive €15,000 in damages, and the other €14,040, including medical expenses.
However, Depardieu denied the allegations. “I respect people. I like to help people,” he said during the trial. He also claimed he belonged to a different era, suggesting his bold personality clashes with today’s expectations. In his defence, his lawyer said that he would appeal.
This case adds to a long list of controversies in Depardieu’s life. In 2020, he was charged with raping actor Charlotte Arnould. In 1991, Time magazine published an interview where he appeared to admit to multiple rapes during childhood. He later denied it by saying it was a translation error.
His behavior has long raised eyebrows—from urinating on a plane to befriending leaders like Vladimir Putin. In 2013, he received Russian citizenship and later criticized the invasion of Ukraine.
In a 2023 TV report, The Fall of the Ogre, exposed disturbing remarks Depardieu made in North Korea about an underage girl.
After that incident, French President Emmanuel Macron seemed to favor him, saying Depardieu remains a 'towering actor who makes France proud.”
Another famous French Film icon, Brigitte Bardot, comes to his defence, making an outrageous comment, “Those who have talent and put their hands on a girl’s bottom are thrown in the gutter.”
Undoubtedly, this is one of the high-profile #MeToo cases to come before judges in France, as this movement did not get the limelight as in the USA.
FAQs
Who is Gérard Depardieu?
Gérard Depardieu is a renowned French actor born in 1948 in Châteauroux, France. He has appeared in over 250 films since 1967, known for his versatility and powerful screen presence. He won two César Awards for Best Actor and was nominated for an Academy Award for "Cyrano de Bergerac" (1990).
What was Gérard Depardieu found guilty of?
French actor Gérard Depardieu was found guilty of sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021. He was convicted of groping a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant during the filming of "Les Volets Verts" and received an 18-month suspended prison sentence along with a fine.
What sentence could Gérard Depardieu face?
Gérard Depardieu was sentenced to an 18-month suspended prison term and fined €20,000 for sexually assaulting two women on a 2021 film set. Additionally, he was ordered to be registered on France’s sex offender list. He could face up to five years in prison if convicted without suspension.
Are there more accusations against Depardieu?
Yes, Gérard Depardieu has faced multiple accusations of sexual misconduct, with around 20 women publicly accusing him of inappropriate behavior. Other allegations, including a 2018 rape accusation by actress Charlotte Arnould, are still under investigation or pending trial.
