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Depardieu, 76, is facing charges that he groped a 54-year-old
set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant director during
production of the film “Les Volets Verts” (“The Green
Shutters”).
Prosecutors allege the incidents included obscene remarks and
inappropriate touching, including an incident in which Depardieu
allegedly used his legs to trap one of the women before groping
her in front of other crew members. Both women have filed formal
complaints. Their identities have not been disclosed to protect
alleged victims of sexual assault.
The actor denies the charges.
In an open letter published in Le Figaro in Oct. 2023, Depardieu
wrote: “Never, but never, have I abused a woman.”
The trial was initially scheduled for October 2024 but was
postponed due to Depardieu’s health. His lawyer, Jérémie Assous,
said the actor had undergone a quadruple heart bypass and
suffers from diabetes. A court-appointed medical expert
determined he is fit to stand trial. He is expected to attend
the two-day hearing, reportedly with scheduled breaks.
This is the first time Depardieu, one of France’s most prominent
film actors, has gone to trial over sexual assault allegations.
He has previously been accused of misconduct by about 20 women,
but no other case has proceeded to court. Some were dropped due
to lack of evidence or the statute of limitations.
The court is expected to hear witness testimony during the
trial. A verdict is not expected immediately.
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