French Actor Gerard Depardieu Convicted of Sexual Assault

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Gerard Depardieu has long been considered one of France’s most iconic actors and one of the country’s most internationally recognized stars. But now, many are seeing him in a very different light: the 76-year-old has just been convicted of sexual assault.

A judge sentenced him to 18 months in prison, but the sentence was suspended, meaning he won’t actually serve time. In addition, he’s been added to the national sex offender registry and will lose certain civil rights for two years.

The charges were filed in 2024 by a set designer and a production assistant who worked on the film The Green Shutters. They accused Depardieu of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior during filming in 2018, including unwanted touching—allegations he has repeatedly denied.

Depardieu’s Defense

In past statements, Depardieu pushed back strongly against the accusations. “I don’t see how I could have done that with the belly I have,” he said. “I can’t even wrap my legs around someone I don’t know. It’s hard enough to hug a woman I love, I don’t see why I would go around groping women, touching their breasts or behinds. That’s something kids do.”

Despite his denial, the court found enough evidence to issue a conviction. The actor has also been ordered to compensate the victims for the harm they endured during the trial. Throughout the proceedings, the victims’ lawyers called out repeated verbal attacks directed at their clients in court.

At one point, Depardieu’s lawyer, Jérémie Assous, reportedly shouted insults like “Liar,” “Hysterical,” and “Go cry somewhere!” while pointing at the women and walking toward their seats.

Gérard Depardieu has been found guilty of sexual assault by a Paris court over incidents involving two different women on a movie set in 2021. He was convicted of having groped both a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant. pic.twitter.com/w0Cu5i60IG

— Newsweek (@Newsweek) May 13, 2025

“They thought that calling us ‘miss’ or ‘my dear,’ and trying to paint us as hysterical, would humiliate us,” said attorney Claude Vincent outside the courthouse after the ruling. “What they don’t understand is that we’re proud to be women.” She also emphasized that this verdict sends a clear message: impunity in these kinds of cases is no longer acceptable.

So far, at least 20 women have come forward with accusations against Depardieu. Some cases have been dismissed due to the statute of limitations, but others are still under review. This ruling also puts public figures who previously defended him—like President Emmanuel Macron and actress Brigitte Bardot—in the spotlight.

While some may now need to reconsider their stance, others have already voiced support for the court’s decision. It marks a dramatic fall from grace for a man once seen as a symbol of French cinema.