Gérard Depardieu Faces Sexual Assault Trial in France: A Reckoning for the Nation’s ‘Culture of Seduction’
Legendary French actor Gérard Depardieu will stand trial in a Paris courtroom tomorrow, facing two women who accuse him of sexual assault on the set of the 2021 film Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters).
The 76-year-old actor, once celebrated as a national treasure, now finds himself at the center of a cultural and legal storm. His trial marks a pivotal moment for France, a country historically known for its laissez-faire attitude toward powerful men accused of sexual misconduct.
But with more than 20 women publicly accusing Depardieu of sexual misconduct, this will be the first time one of those cases has made it to trial.
The Accusations: Abuse on Set
Depardieu is accused of assaulting a set dresser and an assistant director during the filming of Les Volets Verts.
“Prosecutors say Depardieu trapped one of the women with his legs before groping her waist and breasts in front of witnesses.”
In an interview with investigative outlet Mediapart, the 54-year-old set dresser described an explicit, humiliating encounter with the actor.
“He shouted on set that he ‘couldn’t even get it up’ because of the heat, then told me: ‘Come and touch my big parasol. I’ll stick it in your (nether regions).’”
She claims he then grabbed her forcefully and had to be pulled away by bodyguards.
An assistant director also alleges that Depardieu groped her both on set and in public while walking down the street.
Both women’s names have been withheld for privacy reasons under French laws protecting alleged victims of sexual violence.
Depardieu’s Response: ‘Too Loving, Too Generous’
Depardieu has denied all allegations against him. In an open letter published in Le Figaro in October 2023, he wrote:
“Never, but never, have I abused a woman. To think that I have hurt someone or made them feel uncomfortable is intolerable to me.”
He went on to describe himself as a passionate, misunderstood man:
“I have only ever been guilty of being too loving, too generous, or of having a temperament that is too strong.”
A Pattern of Allegations: The Charlotte Arnould Case
At the time of the 2021 assaults, Depardieu was already under formal investigation for rape.
In 2018, actress Charlotte Arnould accused Depardieu of raping her at his home. That case remains active, and prosecutors requested it go to trial in August 2024.
Despite the mounting accusations, Depardieu continued to work in high-profile productions, benefiting from a legal and cultural system that has historically shielded powerful men from consequences.
France’s #MeToo Moment? The Culture of ‘La Seduction’ vs. Justice
This trial is not just about Depardieu—it is about France itself.
The country has long been known for its resistance to the #MeToo movement, defending its “culture of seduction” even in the face of mounting accusations against famous men.
For years, France has offered protection to directors and actors accused of sexual abuse, most notably Roman Polanski, who remains a celebrated filmmaker in France despite his conviction for unlawful sex with a minor in the U.S..
In 2020, Polanski won the César Award for Best Director (An Officer and a Spy), prompting a walkout by women in the audience, including actress Adèle Haenel.
Now, Depardieu’s trial will test whether France is finally ready to hold its cultural titans accountable—or whether it will continue to turn a blind eye.
Support from the Industry: A Growing Divide
While some in France’s film industry have defended Depardieu, others have begun to speak out against him.
Respected actress Anouk Grinberg, who starred in Les Volets Verts, supports the plaintiffs.
“His behavior was vulgar and disturbing,” Grinberg said. “I felt a sense of shame on set.”
Depardieu, who has diabetes and recently underwent a quadruple bypass, will be attending the trial in person. Special accommodations, including breaks for his health, have been arranged.
Final Thoughts: A Turning Point for France?
For years, powerful men in France’s film industry have escaped serious consequences for alleged sexual misconduct.
But with this trial, France faces a reckoning.
Will the courtroom side with the victims and show that even the most celebrated figures can be held accountable? Or will Depardieu walk away unscathed, reinforcing the status quo?
One thing is certain: the world is watching.