THE PUBLIC REVELATION CAUSES PUBLIC OUTRAGE Prosecutor in Gérard Depardieu sexual assault case asks for 18-month suspended sentence

In a landmark moment for France’s #MeToo movement, public prosecutors have requested an 18-month suspended prison sentence for actor Gérard Depardieu, following serious allegations of sexual assault during the filming of Les Volets Verts in 2021. The trial has sparked widespread outrage and intense debate over power dynamics, accountability, and the treatment of women in the entertainment industry.

The Allegations

Depardieu, a 76-year-old veteran of French cinema, stands accused of groping two women on set: a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant. Both women testified that Depardieu touched them inappropriately, creating a hostile and unsafe work environment. One of the victims described feeling trapped and terrified during the incidents. The alleged assaults occurred days apart, with both women in positions of professional vulnerability.

In his defense, Depardieu admitted to grabbing one woman by the hips but denied any sexual intent, suggesting he did so to prevent a fall. His legal team has dismissed the allegations as false and claims the investigation was biased.

Prosecutor’s Request

On March 27, 2025, the prosecutor requested a guilty verdict for Depardieu, proposing an 18-month suspended sentence, a €20,000 fine, mandatory psychological treatment, and inclusion on France’s sex offenders register. The prosecutor criticized Depardieu’s “total denial and failure to question himself,” highlighting the power imbalance and the victims’ fear of retaliation. The maximum penalty for the charges is up to five years in prison and a €75,000 fine. A verdict is expected on May 13

Public and Legal Reactions

The trial has ignited public outrage, with many viewing it as a test of France’s commitment to confronting sexual misconduct by powerful figures. The victims’ lawyers have labeled Depardieu a “serial abuser” who exploited his status to prey on subordinates. They criticized the industry’s culture of silence and impunity, emphasizing the need for systemic change.

Depardieu’s supporters, however, have rallied behind him. A group of over 50 artists, including actors Charlotte Rampling and Carole Bouquet, and singers Carla Bruni and Jacques Dutronc, signed a letter condemning the accusations as an “attack on art itself.” President Emmanuel Macron also expressed support, calling Depardieu “the pride of France” and decrying what he termed a “manhunt.” These statements have drawn criticism from those advocating for the victims.

Broader Implications

This case is not isolated. Depardieu faces additional legal challenges, including a rape accusation by actress Charlotte Arnould, which is still under investigation. The trial has prompted discussions about the statute of limitations, with some arguing that more women would have come forward if not for legal time constraints.​

The outcome of this trial is poised to have significant implications for how France addresses sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry and beyond. It raises critical questions about the balance between an individual’s legacy and the need for accountability, as well as the broader societal commitment to justice for victims of sexual violence.​

Related News:

French prosecutors request 18-month suspended sentence for actor Depardieu

Gérard Depardieu ‘is a serial abuser who preys on subordinates’

French Authorities Request Actor Gérard Depardieu Serve an 18-Month Suspended Sentence In Sexual Assault Trial