PARIS, FRANCE — The curtain has officially dropped on the legacy of one of France’s most iconic actors. Gérard Depardieu, once hailed as a cinematic titan, was found guilty Tuesday of sexually assaulting two women during the 2021 filming of Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters).
The 76-year-old actor, who did not attend the hearing in Paris, was handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence, fined 29,040 euros (approximately $32,350 USD), and ordered to be added to France’s national sex offender registry.
Two Survivors, One Guilty Verdict
Depardieu was convicted of groping a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant during the production of the film. Both women described deeply disturbing encounters, with one alleging that Depardieu trapped her between his legs in a narrow corridor, groped her hips, chest, and genital area, and made obscene sexual comments — including a threat of rape.
Their testimonies served as a litmus test for the post-#MeToo climate in France, particularly in the elite, often untouchable world of film.
“It is the victory of two women, but it is the victory of all the women beyond this trial,” said Carine Durrieu-Diebolt, lawyer for the set dresser.
“With this decision, we can no longer say that Gérard Depardieu is not a sexual abuser. And today, as the Cannes Film Festival opens, I’d like the film world to spare a thought for his victims.”
Depardieu Denies the Charges, Will Appeal
During his four-day trial in March, Depardieu admitted to being vulgar and using sexualized language on set but denied that his behavior was sexual in nature. He said he grabbed the woman’s hips in the middle of an argument but rejected the assault allegations, claiming, “I’m not like that.”
Depardieu’s lawyer has confirmed he plans to appeal the conviction.
A Legacy in Ruins
With over 250 films to his name, Depardieu has long been a fixture in French cinema, even earning an Oscar nomination for his role in Cyrano de Bergerac (1990). But the conviction all but guarantees that his legacy will be remembered not just for artistic brilliance, but also for criminal misconduct.
As the Cannes spotlight shines once again, France and its film industry are being forced to reckon with a hard truth: even giants can fall, and they should.
