Gérard Depardieu Sentenced for Sexual Assault: A Notable Conviction in French Cinema

In a landmark ruling for the entertainment industry, Gérard Depardieu, the acclaimed French actor, was convicted by a Paris court for sexually assaulting two women during the production of the 2021 film "Les Volets Verts." On May 13, 2025, the court handed down an 18-month suspended sentence, aligning with the prosecution's recommendation following a trial that lasted four days in March. Additionally, the actor has been placed on the national sex offenders list.

The charges stemmed from incidents involving a set decorator, identified only as Amélie, who described a disturbing encounter where Depardieu forcibly pulled her toward him and groped her while using lewd language. Another victim, an assistant director, also accused the actor of touching her inappropriately multiple times during their interactions on set, although she wished to remain anonymous.

Despite the evidence and testimonies, Depardieu, 76, has consistently denied the assaults, with his defense's narrative shifting over the course of legal proceedings. The case has drawn significant media attention and public discourse, shedding light on the pressing issues of sexual misconduct within the film industry.