PARIS (AP) — Gérard Depardieu is set to face serious allegations of sexual assault in a Paris courtroom on Monday. The renowned French actor is accused by two women, a set dresser and an assistant director, of misconduct during the filming of “Les Volets Verts” (“The Green Shutters”) in 2021. This trial stands as a critical moment in France’s ongoing struggle with addressing sexual violence, particularly involving high-profile figures in the entertainment industry.
Depardieu, 76, has faced accusations from over 20 women regarding sexual misconduct, but this marks the first case that has advanced to trial. Prosecutors assert that Depardieu used his legs to trap one of the women, proceeding to grope her waist and breasts in front of witnesses. According to an interview with the 54-year-old set dresser, Depardieu made vulgar comments on set, suggesting she “come and touch my big parasol," before allegedly grabbing her inappropriately, requiring bodyguards to intervene.
The second plaintiff, a 34-year-old assistant director, claims she was subjected to groping both on set and in public. To protect the identities of the alleged victims, they have not been disclosed. Depardieu vehemently denies all allegations, proclaiming in an open letter published in Le Figaro in October 2023 that he has "never abused a woman" and found the idea of having made anyone feel uncomfortable to be "intolerable." He characterized himself as overly loving and generous, attributing his temperament to the current accusations.
His attorney, Jérémie Assous, labelled the case as baseless, asserting Depardieu’s commitment to attending the two-day trial despite recent health issues, including a quadruple bypass surgery and diabetes.
France has a complicated relationship with the #MeToo movement, often displaying ambivalence and even resistance toward addressing sexual misconduct compared to the rapid reactions observed in Hollywood. While some in the French film industry view #MeToo as an import incompatible with their cultural values, others have recognized the need for accountability. Notably, Roman Polanski, despite being a convicted sex offender in the United States, continues to garner accolades in France, exposing the reluctance to confront such issues involving celebrated figures.
Recent developments in this area include the conviction of director Christophe Ruggia in February for sexually abusing actress Adèle Haenel when she was a minor. Haenel, who left the film industry in protest, has emerged as a prominent figure advocating against such abuses. Another voice in this movement, actress and filmmaker Judith Godrèche, has shared her experiences of exploitation as a teenager, calling for political reforms to address the silence surrounding such issues in French cinema.
During these proceedings, actors like Anouk Grinberg, who starred in “Les Volets Verts,” have shown their support for the plaintiffs, describing Depardieu’s behavior as disturbing and vulgar, leading to a feeling of shame on set. Notably, at the time of the alleged incidents, Depardieu was still under formal investigation for rape stemming from a 2018 allegation by actress Charlotte Arnould, which remains unresolved.
Throughout his career, spanning five decades and over 200 films, Depardieu has faced numerous public controversies, from drunk driving offenses to inappropriate behavior captured on camera. A 2023 documentary reignited conversations about his impunity, showcasing footage of Depardieu making inappropriate remarks and sexualizing a young girl during a trip to North Korea.
Despite the growing conversation surrounding sexual misconduct in the industry, significant resistance persists in France. In a notable 2018 open letter, actress Catherine Deneuve and more than 100 other notable women defended what they termed the "freedom to bother," arguing against the conflation of flirtation with harassment, highlighting the cultural divide between American and French attitudes toward these matters.
