Gérard Depardieu Convicted of Sexual Assault: 18-Month Suspended Sentence

On Tuesday, May 13, the Paris Judicial Court delivered its verdict: Gérard Depardieu has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two women during the 2021 filming of Les Volets Verts. The actor was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended, along with mandatory psychological treatment, registration in the national sex offender database, and a loss of his eligibility rights. He was also ordered to pay €30,000 in damages, including €1,000 to each plaintiff for what the court recognized as “secondary victimization,” as well as court costs. Depardieu’s lawyer, Jérémie Assous, announced he would appeal the decision.

A Tense Trial Marked by Heated Exchanges

During the trial, the prosecution had requested an 18-month suspended sentence with a three-year probation period and a €20,000 fine, arguing that the actions described by the two women were clearly “intentional.” The courtroom atmosphere was particularly charged. The court noted the “excessive harshness” of the proceedings toward the plaintiffs, stating that the conduct went “beyond what is strictly necessary to uncover the truth and ensure the rights of the defense.” Among the inflammatory remarks cited were defense attorney Assous telling one plaintiff, “We don’t believe you,” and directing a particularly hostile comment at a civil party lawyer: “It’s unbearable listening to you. Even your voice is hard to take…”

Depardieu has consistently denied any wrongful intent. At the stand, he stated: “I don’t see why I’d amuse myself by groping a woman, her buttocks, her breasts. I’m not some pervert on the subway.” However, he did admit to touching one of the plaintiffs, Amélie (a pseudonym), claiming it was to “scold her” or to steady himself—something he had previously denied during the investigation. He also said he did not fully understand what constitutes sexual assault.

Credible Testimony Versus Contradictory Defense

The court based its decision on the plaintiffs’ “consistent, repeated, and detailed” accounts, supported by “coherent testimony from direct witnesses.” In contrast, it cited “contradictions in Depardieu’s evolving statements.” The presiding judge also took into account “the defendant’s age, his deteriorating health, and his stance on the facts, which he continues to dispute, showing little understanding of the concept of consent.”

The trauma experienced by Amélie was “objectively established,” according to the judgment. She expressed her relief after the ruling: “I’m very moved, very satisfied with this decision. For me, this is a victory, a major step forward. I feel like justice has been served.”

“The End of Impunity”

Amélie’s lawyer, Carine Durrieu Diebolt, welcomed the outcome: “This is an important decision, a form of recognition for Depardieu’s victims. It’s a victory for two women on a film set, but also for all women standing behind this trial. I hope this marks the end of impunity for powerful artists in the film industry.”

While the defense maintains that the judgment is unfounded, for the plaintiffs, the ruling sends a clear message to both the film industry and society at large: that women’s voices must be heard—and believed.