Gérard Depardieu Trial Concludes, Verdict Expected in May

The French actor faces allegations of sexual assault during a 2021 film shoot, with prosecutors seeking an 18-month suspended sentence and broader scrutiny on systemic issues in the French film industry.

• Prosecutors have requested an 18-month suspended sentence, a €20,000 fine, mandatory psychological treatment, and sex offender registration for Depardieu.
• The trial concluded with testimony highlighting a culture of impunity and silence around sexual misconduct in the French film industry.
• Depardieu denied all charges, framing the case as a clash between 'old-world' norms and 'new-world' societal expectations.
• Defense lawyer Jérémie Assous faced backlash for employing sexist tactics, described as undermining the plaintiffs and feminist movements.
• The verdict, seen as a pivotal moment for the #MeToo movement in France, is scheduled to be announced on May 13, 2025.

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