What were the allegations against Gerard Depardieu? Details explored as actor found guilty of sexual assault

French actor Gerard Depardieu, long celebrated for his towering screen presence, was found guilty of sexual assault by a Paris court on May 13, 2025. The court determined that Depardieu inappropriately touched two women during the filming of Les Volets Verts in 2021, allegations that sent shockwaves through the international film community.

He received an 18-month suspended prison sentence, was fined €10,000, and was ordered into France’s national sex offenders’ registry—a landmark verdict in the country’s post-#MeToo reckoning. While Depardieu vehemently denies any wrongdoing and has vowed to appeal, the conviction marks a stunning fall from grace for the 76-year-old icon, whose career spans more than 200 films.

The case has reignited debates about consent, power dynamics on set, and the readiness of French courts to tackle high-profile misconduct.

The allegations against Gerard Depardieu and details of the case

The case centred on allegations that Gerard Depardieu inappropriately touched two women on the set of the 2021 film Les Volets Verts, trampling their boundaries and causing real emotional distress. In court, a 54-year-old set dresser recounted how the actor sneaked up behind her and grabbed her breasts, even laughing as he did it, while a 34-year-old assistant spoke of being groped during rehearsals and left feeling completely powerless.

Over several days in late March 2025, the Tribunal Correctionnel de Paris heard a steady stream of testimony, messages and witness statements painting a picture of repeated, predatory behaviour. When handing down his decision, Judge Thierry Donard pointed out that Depardieu appeared not to understand either consent or the deep damage his actions caused.

The actor received an 18-month suspended sentence, a €10,000 fine and placement on France’s sex offender registry—yet he’ll stay free while he appeals the verdict.

Voices and reactions: Victim statements and industry perspectives

In her emotional testimony, set decorator Amélie K. said she felt “terrified” and “humiliated” as Depardieu ignored her protests and persisted in his groping, an account jurors deemed credible. Her co-plaintiff, identified only as a 34-year-old assistant, recounted trying to maintain professional composure despite repeated advances, describing the set atmosphere as “charged with fear”.

French feminist groups hailed the verdict as a breakthrough, arguing it signalled growing intolerance for misconduct by prominent figures; women’s rights advocates noted that this high-profile case tested whether France was truly ready to reckon with sexual violence.

Cultural critics in The Guardian warned that Depardieu’s extensive filmography would now be viewed through a critical lens, comparing the moment to post-war reappraisals of artists’ moral legacies. Despite widespread condemnation, a small but vocal minority on social media urged “separating art from artist”, even as hashtags like #MeToo trended in solidarity with the victims.

​

Gerard Depardieu’s conviction on sexual assault charges—though resulting in a suspended sentence—sends an unmistakable message that fame offers no immunity from justice. As he files an appeal, the case is poised to reverberate across France’s film industry, challenging institutions to safeguard on-set integrity and affirming that accountability transcends star power. Gerard Depardieu now faces not only legal hurdles but also the indelible impact on his formidable legacy.

Jasmine is a journalist for Primetimer

She graduated with a B.A. in English Literature from Sophia College in Mumbai, where she had the unique opportunity to publish research in social science and media.

Jasmine holds more than three years of experience including an ex-Founder's role at a digital marketing agency called 'Very Weird'. Additionally, she also had stints as a journalist at GrowMeOrganic and Scatter Content. She also worked in the Social Media Management team for beauty and wellness brands, Green Maven and Yoga House Mumbai.

Jasmine is a strict follower of ethics in journalism and stays updated with industry developments in order to improve her craft. She is committed to presenting diverse perspectives, which enriches her storytelling and enhances the relevance of her articles in today’s dynamic media landscape.