Gérard Depardieu Sexual Assault Trial: Actress Details Alleged Groping Incidents in Paris Court
PARIS – In a closely watched trial unfolding in Paris, a woman accusing acclaimed French actor Gérard Depardieu of sexual assault testified on Wednesday, detailing instances of alleged inappropriate touching on a film set. The complainant stated that Depardieu purportedly groped her buttocks and breasts on multiple occasions during the production.
Accusations of Groping on Film Set
Depardieu, aged 76, is facing accusations from two women relating to incidents during the 2021 filming of “Les Volets Verts” (“The Green Shutters”). The allegations involve the sexual assault of a 54-year-old set decorator and a 34-year-old production assistant. The actor has denied all claims of sexual misconduct.
Plaintiff’s Testimony: Details of Alleged Assaults
The third day of the Paris trial centered on the evidence provided by the younger complainant. She recounted three separate alleged incidents:
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- First Incident: The plaintiff testified that Depardieu allegedly groped her bottom while they were briefly alone in the area between the backstage and the set. She described feeling “shocked” and “petrified” by the unexpected action, stating she remained silent at the time.
- Second Incident: According to her testimony, Depardieu purportedly placed both hands on her breasts. The complainant stated she verbally protested, saying “no” and expressing her fear.
- Third Incident: She described a third similar occasion during which she again verbally rejected Depardieu’s alleged advances, telling him “no.”
The plaintiff further stated she reported the matter to her direct supervisor, who subsequently informed senior film production staff. This report, she alleged, provoked anger from Depardieu.
Depardieu’s Defense and Courtroom Statements
In court on Wednesday, Depardieu repeatedly refuted the allegations against him. “I am not like that,” he asserted, denying any wrongdoing.
Depardieu offered an explanation for the accusations, suggesting, “I believe that perhaps… I am unsure, she was cautious due to my reputation for being vulgar, coarse, and impolite. However, that is not my entire persona. I still hold respect for individuals.”
The actor further informed the court about his usual practice of being accompanied by assistants on film sets, including a bodyguard. He implied that opportunities for him to be alone with a crew member would be rare.
Earlier Admission and Context from Previous Day
On Tuesday, during the trial proceedings, Depardieu acknowledged using crude and sexualized language towards the set decorator who has also accused him of sexual assault. He admitted to grabbing her hips during a disagreement but maintained that his conduct was not sexual in nature.
Consistent with standard journalistic practices, the Associated Press refrains from identifying alleged victims of sexual assault unless they explicitly grant consent. Neither woman involved in this case has chosen to publicly reveal her identity.
Trial Continuation and Potential Sentence
The four-day trial is scheduled to continue on Thursday. A verdict in the case is anticipated at a later, unspecified date.
If convicted, Depardieu could face a maximum sentence of five years of imprisonment and a financial penalty of 75,000 euros (equivalent to $81,000).