On Monday, the esteemed French actor Gérard Depardieu stood trial in Paris, accused of sexually assaulting two women on the set of a film, an incident that could potentially mark a pivotal moment for the #MeToo movement in France. The 76-year-old screen legend is charged with groping a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant director while filming "Les Volets Verts" ("The Green Shutters") in 2021.
If convicted, Depardieu faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros ($81,000). Yet, he steadfastly denies any wrongdoing. Addressing the throng of reporters gathered outside the courtroom, he briefly stated, "I'm ok." Inside, he assured the judges of his readiness to respond to their inquiries.
His attorney, Jérémie Assous, declared to the assembled journalists, "We will demonstrate, in an impartial, objective, and indisputable manner, that all the accusations are nothing but lies." With conviction, he added, "The truth will be self-evident, and it is on our side."
The trial serves as a litmus test for France's stance on sexual violence. Depardieu's illustrious and lengthy career has transformed this legal proceeding into a post-#MeToo gauge of the French film industry's and the nation's willingness to confront sexual misconduct and hold powerful men accountable.
For decades, Depardieu has been a beloved figure among French moviegoers, earning an Oscar nomination in 1991 for his portrayal of the swordsman and poet Cyrano de Bergerac. However, his alleged off-screen boorishness has repeatedly made headlines. Over 20 women have publicly accused him or filed formal complaints against him for misconduct, yet only the sexual assault case has progressed to court. Other complaints were dismissed due to insufficient evidence or the expiration of the statute of limitations.
Feminist historian Florence Montreynaud hailed Depardieu's court appearance as a "pivotal moment" in the annals of women's rights, as she stood in solidarity with fellow activists protesting outside the courthouse. Amidst the rhythmic beats of techno music, a dozen protesters chanted, "Sexist violence, complicit judicial system," their voices resonating with determination. "Times are indeed shifting," Montreynaud told French broadcaster BFMTV. "#MeToo has stormed through, and mentalities are at long last evolving."
The trial follows in the footsteps of a landmark case from the previous year, which featured Gisèle Pelicot, whose courage illuminated the prevalence of sexual violence in France. She insisted that her trial against 51 men accused of a catalogue of heinous abuses against her be held in open court, believing it would shift the shame onto its rightful perpetrators.
France's stance towards the #MeToo movement has often been ambivalent, even resistant. While Hollywood witnessed powerful figures swiftly and publicly falling, the French film industry lagged behind in its response. Some dismissed #MeToo as an American import incompatible with French values, invoking concerns about freedom of expression and what they saw as the erosion of flirtatious culture.
At the time of the alleged assaults, Depardieu was already under formal investigation for rape. In 2018, actress Charlotte Arnould accused him of raping her at his residence. That case remains ongoing, with prosecutors requesting a trial in August 2024.
Prosecutors claim that Depardieu trapped the set dresser with his legs, groping her waist and breasts in plain sight of witnesses. She further alleges that the actor employed obscene language and had to be restrained by bodyguards. Additionally, an assistant director accused Depardieu of groping her both on set and on the street.
The women sat beside each other in court, their identities protected by The Associated Press's policy of not naming sexual assault survivors without their consent. Neither has granted permission in this instance.
The trial is anticipated to span at least two days but could be extended beyond Tuesday if the presiding judge deems more time necessary. Initially scheduled for October, the trial was postponed due to Depardieu's health issues. A verdict is pending at a future date.
Depardieu, grasping his lawyer's shoulder, strode into the courtroom with composure. According to his lawyer, the actor has undergone a quadruple heart bypass and suffers from diabetes. A court-appointed medical expert deemed him fit for trial but recommended that hearings not exceed six hours, with a 15-minute break and snack every three hours.
Depardieu remained mostly silent on Monday, offering only his name. Instead, his lawyer dominated the proceedings, raising alleged legal issues and seeking to cast doubt on witness testimonies and the police investigation. The attorney alleged, without providing evidence, that police officers acted under the instructions of investigating magistrates to "ensure Depardieu's downfall."
Depardieu listened intently, occasionally nodding in agreement. One plaintiff broke into tears as her lawyer read a message she had written about the alleged assault. Her fellow accuser, sitting beside her, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
The plaintiffs' lawyers indicated they would present their evidence later. One of the lawyers, Carine Durrieu Diebolt, revealed that Depardieu had apologized to her client at the time. "So why apologize if you've done nothing wrong?" she questioned. The context of the apology remained unclear.
Durrieu Diebolt had previously announced that four additional women who claim to have been sexually assaulted by Depardieu would testify.
In an open letter published in October 2023, Depardieu proclaimed, "Never, but never, have I abused a woman."
The actor had retreated from public view in recent months, with his film career seemingly on hold. However, he still retains friends within the industry. Actors Vincent Perez and Fanny Ardant were among those who took seats on his side of the courtroom, offering their support.
