French actor Gérard Depardieu was found guilty of sexually assaulting two women during the 2021 filming of Les Volets Verts (“The Green Shutters”), marking a major development in France’s reckoning with sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry. On May 13, 2025, a Paris court handed down an 18-month suspended prison sentence, ordered financial compensation to the victims, and required Depardieu to register as a sex offender.
French Actor Gérard Depardieu Convicted in Landmark #MeToo Verdict
The court ruled that French actor Gérard Depardieu groped a set decorator and an assistant director on separate occasions during production. The women described being subjected to inappropriate touching and lewd comments, with corroborating witness statements supporting their accounts. Depardieu, 76, denied all allegations, claiming any contact was either accidental or misinterpreted. He did not appear in court for the verdict and has announced his intent to appeal.
Reactions and Industry Impact for French Actor Gérard Depardieu
The conviction has divided opinion in France, where French actor Gérard Depardieu remains a towering figure in cinema. While longtime supporters like actress Fanny Ardant and Brigitte Bardot have defended him, victims’ rights advocates hailed the ruling as a significant milestone for the French #MeToo movement. Over 20 women have accused Depardieu of misconduct over the years, but this is the first case to result in a criminal conviction.
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Despite the allegations, Depardieu recently resumed work on a new film project, his first in three years. The verdict has reignited discussions around celebrity impunity and the cultural shifts reshaping French society.
In summary, the case against French actor Gérard Depardieu has sent shockwaves through the film industry and beyond, reinforcing the importance of accountability while exposing deep divides over justice and gender in France.