Gérard Depardieu's Sexual Assault Trial Verdict Looms

Gérard Depardieu's trial has sparked national conversations about celebrity accountability and the complexities of gender politics.

French actor Gérard Depardieu is on the verge of facing potential legal consequences as a verdict in his sexual assault trial is set to be announced today. The 76-year-old film star could receive a suspended prison sentence, along with mandatory registration as a sex offender should he be convicted.

During the trial, which took place six weeks ago, testimonies were provided by two women who accused Depardieu of groping them on a film set in Paris in September 2021. The alleged incidents occurred during the production of "Les Volets Verts" (The Green Shutters), where Depardieu is depicted as an aging actor confronting his limitations. The actor has consistently denied the charges against him.

Prosecutor Laurent Guy, in his closing remarks delivered on March 27, emphasized the importance of separating an individual’s public persona from their personal actions, stating, "It's perfectly possible to be an excellent actor and a great father - and still commit a crime." He requested an 18-month suspended prison term, a fine of €20,000, and the requirement to register on the sex offender list.

In stark contrast, Depardieu’s defense attorney Jérémie Assous sought an acquittal, arguing that the plaintiffs approached the trial more as activists than as legal representatives. Assous claimed that any defense offered to Depardieu was viewed as an additional assault by the plaintiffs’ side.

The allegations against the actor gained wider attention when one plaintiff, a set decorator, recounted being cornered and held by Depardieu after a dispute. Another accuser, who served as an assistant director, testified that he touched her inappropriately on multiple occasions. Depardieu has only acknowledged the possibility of inadvertently touching them while trying to maintain his balance.

Following the hearings, Depardieu expressed that he felt wronged, stating, "My name has been dragged through the mud by lies and insults." He likened the courtroom experience to that of a surreal science fiction narrative, reiterating the difficulties stemming from public scrutiny amid the accusations.

Although he has refrained from acting for three years due to the scandal surrounding the allegations, recent reports revealed that Depardieu has resumed his career, starring in a film directed by his friend, actress Fanny Ardant, in the Azores. Ardant passionately defended him, highlighting the duality of genius in human nature, stating, "He is the monster and the saint."

The trial has provoked significant commentary from the public, including remarks from veteran actress Brigitte Bardot, who expressed sympathy for Depardieu's plight and criticized what she perceives as excessive feminism.

As the verdict approaches, the case stands as a reflection of ongoing societal debates about power dynamics in Hollywood and the importance of accountability, regardless of an individual's celebrity status.