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Gérard Depardieu Faces Trial for Sexual Assault Allegations in Paris

The French actor denies accusations of groping two women during a 2021 film shoot, in a case marking a pivotal moment for France's #MeToo movement.

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French actor Gerard Depardieu arrives for the opening of his trial in which he is accused of sexually abusing two women during a film shoot in 2021, at the Paris criminal court in the Tribunal de Paris courthouse, on March 24, 2025. Depardieu, 76, who has made more than 200 films and television series, has been accused of improper behaviour by around 20 women but this is the first case to come to trial. The two plaintiffs -- Amelie, 54, a set dresser, and Sarah (name changed), 34, an assistant director -- allege sexual assault during the filming in 2021 of "Les Volets Verts" ("The Green Shutters") by director Jean Becker. (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP) (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA/AFP via Getty Images)
Actor Gerard Depardieu, left, arrives at his trial for the alleged sexual assaults of two women on a film set in 2021, with his lawyer Jeremie Assous ,Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

Overview

  • The trial, which began on March 24, 2025, focuses on allegations from a set dresser and an assistant director who accuse Depardieu of groping them on the set of 'Les Volets Verts' in 2021.
  • Depardieu, 76, denies all charges, with his lawyer claiming the accusations are fabricated and promising to present evidence to refute them in court.
  • Prosecutors allege that Depardieu's actions were witnessed by others on set, including bodyguards who reportedly intervened to pull him away.
  • This is the first case against Depardieu to reach trial despite over 20 women accusing him of sexual misconduct over the years, with many cases dismissed due to the statute of limitations.
  • The trial has drawn protests from feminist groups outside the courthouse and is seen as a critical test of France's willingness to address sexual violence and hold influential figures accountable.