Gérard Depardieu Defends Himself in Court Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

In a recent court appearance, Gérard Depardieu acknowledged having inappropriately grabbed a colleague but maintained his innocence regarding sexual assault allegations. He faces serious accusations from multiple women as part of a broader reckoning following the #MeToo movement in France.

Gérard Depardieu, the renowned French actor, faced a Paris court on Tuesday, where he acknowledged having grabbed a female colleague but vehemently denied charges of sexual assault. This marks his first testimony since rising allegations emerged following the #MeToo movement, with multiple women filing complaints accusing him of inappropriate behavior.

Depardieu, who has starred in over 230 films, admits to grabbing a set decorator named Amélie to prevent her from slipping and to ensure she could hear him. However, Amélie accused him of groping her while they worked together in the 2022 film "Les Volets Verts." If convicted, Depardieu could face up to five years in prison and a substantial fine of approximately $81,000.

The controversy surrounding the actor intensified as the #MeToo movement gained momentum in France, prompting various women to come forward with complaints against him. In his courtroom statement, Depardieu claimed the movement has unjustly tarnished his reputation and described its effects as "terroristic." The actor further revealed that he has not worked in three years, attributing this hiatus to the ongoing accusations.

The testimonies from both Depardieu and Amélie presented starkly contrasting accounts. Amélie, aged 54, recounted her experiences working on set in 2021, describing how the actor sat on a peculiar cube-shaped stool making vulgar remarks between takes. The court case highlights the ongoing dialogue about power dynamics and accountability in the entertainment industry, particularly in the context of the #MeToo movement, which many believe is slowly making progress in France.