Gérard Depardieu Convicted of Sexual Assault: Sentenced to 18 Months Suspended Jail Time

Renowned French actor Gérard Depardieu was found guilty of sexual assault and sentenced to 18 months in prison with suspension by a Paris court on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. The case revolves around incidents during the filming of the movie “Les Volets Verts” in 2021, where two women—a 54-year-old set designer and a 34-year-old assistant director—accused Depardieu of sexually harassing them. The actor denied the allegations and was absent from the court proceedings, as he is currently in Portugal for film shoots directed by Valeria Bruni Tedeschi. The court ruled that the testimonies of the women were credible and sufficient for his conviction. The court imposed an 18-month suspended jail sentence, a two-year ban on political rights, and registration in the sex offenders’ registry, as requested by the prosecutor. This case marks a significant milestone for the #MeToo movement in France and has sparked strong reactions in the artistic community. According to the testimonies, the set designer described being trapped by Depardieu’s legs while trying to pass through a narrow corridor. She alleged that he grabbed her ponytail and began touching her buttocks and other areas. Additionally, she claimed he attempted to grab her breast and made vulgar remarks demanding inappropriate physical contact, hinting at an intention to rape her. The second woman, the assistant director, stated that Depardieu touched her buttocks and breasts on three separate occasions during filming. Information provided by AP.