Scandal around Gérard Depardieu: 18 months probation for sexual harassment!

Scandal around Gérard Depardieu: 18 months probation for sexual harassment!

Paris, Frankreich - Gérard Depardieu, the 76-year-old French actor, was now found guilty by a Paris court of sexually harassing two women during the filming of the film “Les Volets Verts” in 2021. The judgment, which includes an 18-month suspended sentence, was announced on Tuesday morning. The actor, who was not present that day, is also placed on the list of sex offenders. "[Al Jazera] reports that the allegations relating to the cinematic cooperation under the direction of Jean Becker are emblematic for the Metoo movement in France, which gained in importance in 2017 to share and address the experiences of sexual violence.

The allegations against Depardieu were raised by two women. The first plaintiff, Amelie K, 54 years old, reported that the actor had jammed her between his legs and touched her breasts. The second witness, a 34-year-old director's assistant, explained that he molested her from the set during the night. The judge Thierry Donard described Depardieu's claims that the touch was not sexual as not very convincing. In his defense, Depardieu admitted to being vulgar and rude, but contested any misconduct. He had previously referred to the metoo movement as "terrorist rule" and explained that he love women and femininity.

reactions and the social context

The case was regarded by women's rights activists as a test of the French judiciary in dealing with sexual violence. Carine Durrieu-Diebolt, a lawyer of one of the plaintiffs, also expressed that a guilty verdict was a victory for all disused women. In recent years, more than 20 women have accused Depardieu for different allegations, but only two cases were within the limitation period. The negotiation started in March 2025 after it had been moved several times and lasted four days. Prosecutors had requested a suspended sentence of 18 months and a fine of up to 200,000 euros.

The effects of the judgment run through the film industry in France, which has difficulty recognizing their problems with sexual violence and harassment. According to a report from January, sexualized violence and harassment are in the French film and television industry "Endemic" and illustrate a culture of denial. Several women, including actress Judith Godrèche, have brought about abuse and are calling for a profound examination in the industry. Godrêche, which had experience with abuse between 1986 and 1992, advocates the creation of investigation commissions and the introduction of guidelines for the protection of minors on the set.

The struggle for justice

During the process of progress and the judgment, Depardieu received support from influential personalities, including French President Emmanuel Macron, who described himself as the "great admirer" of the actor and warned of a "witch hunt" in relation to the accusations. In October 2023, Depardieu published an open letter in which he vehemently denied all the allegations and described it as "Lynch Justice". In addition, another case remains open, in which the actress Charlotte Arnoade has filed a rape advertisement against Depardieu. Feminist voices and lawyers such as Elodie Tuaillon-Hibon emphasize the need for a morally independent judicial system and require comprehensive changes to combat the culture of harassment.