French actor Gérard Depardieu has admitted to grabbing the hips of one woman involved in his sexual assault trial in Paris. However, he denied any sexual intent. If found guilty, he could face up to five years in jail.
The trial against Depardieu, arguably one of the most well-known male actors in France, started on Monday. The 76-year-old stands accused of inappropriate behaviour towards two women – a 54-year-old set decorator and a 34-year-old assistant director – during the 2021 filming of "Les Volets Verts" ("The Green Shutters"). Prosecutors allege the incidents included obscene remarks and inappropriate touching.
The set decorator claims that Depardieu held her in a corridor and touched her breasts, buttocks, and genitals. In an interview with Mediapart, she said he shouted on set that he “couldn’t get it up” because of the heat and told her: “Come and touch my big parasol. I’ll stick it in your (nether regions).” She said he grabbed her forcefully and had to be pulled away by bodyguards. The woman filed a lawsuit in February 2024 for assault, harassment, and sexist insults.
The assistant director accused Depardieu of indecent touching on the film set and claimed he stalked her. She filed her complaint in March 2024.
In his initial statement, Depardieu claimed that the allegations were untrue. However, the actor did concede that he touched one of the alleged victims on her hips. He asserted that the contact was not sexual, explaining that he touched her to avoid slipping off a crate he was sitting on.
Tarred reputation
While more than 20 women have publicly accused Depardieu of sexual misconduct, this is the first time one of those cases has gone to trial. If found guilty, the actor known for his roles in "Cyrano de Bergerac", "Jean de Florette" and "The Man in the Iron Mask" could face up to five years in jail.
He had been given the Medal of Honour by Brussels in 2018 for his "promotion of Brussels on the international stage", however, this was retracted at the end of 2023 as part of the wider scandal enveloping the French actor for sexual misconduct and rape.
This is the latest of Depardieu's legal woes. He has been under investigation for aggravated tax fraud and money laundering since February 2024. He is also suspected of falsely declaring residency in Belgium. The actor's reputation had already been tarred by a rape charge in 2020 and 13 separate allegations of sexual harassment or assault.
