Gerard Depardieu is an actor who can be safely called an icon of French cinema. However, today he is not mentioned for his career achievements. In recent years, his name has continuously appeared in scandalous press headlines. All because of the accusations against him related to sexual violence. Rambler will share details of the case.
In May 2025, a Paris court found the 76-year-old actor guilty of sexually assaulting two women and sentenced him to 18 months of probation and a fine of 20,000 euros.
From charges to verdict
In March 2025, Depardieu's trial began. Two women – a props technician (54) and an assistant director (34) – accused Gerard of sexual harassment during the filming of the 2021 film Green Shutters. Prosecutors accused Depardieu of taking advantage of his position to pin down the female prop, roughly grab her private parts, hold her between her legs and say obscene words. On the contrary, the assistant director said she constantly felt Depardieu touching her breasts and buttocks.
One of the plaintiffs told the court: “He knew that I was scared… his eyes lit up with joy… it delighted him.”
Attorney Jeremy Assou told the court that the accusers were “liars” and that the case itself was an attempt to ruin the life of a famous person. He also repeatedly mentioned the actor's right to be honored and protected from “bullying by the media”.
Depardieu himself, when speaking up in his defense, also admitted that he can behave harshly and use rude language. But at the same time, the actor flatly denied that he harassed women. Gerard also objected to the idea that placing a hand on the buttocks automatically constitutes sexual assault. The French actor emphasized that even if there was a collision, it could have been unintentional – for example, to avoid slipping, he was said to have grabbed the woman's thigh.
“It's not harassment, it's prostitution”: Tatyana Bulanova's scandalous statement
Despite such objections, the court did not find the defense strategy convincing, the report said Reuters. As a result, on May 13, 2025, Depardieu was found guilty of both charges. The judge noted that the defendant “was not aware of the traumatic consequences” of his actions and that he “did not understand the concept of consent.”
Several Depardieu supporters, including his daughter Roxane and actress Fanny Ardant, spoke in court in his defense, saying they had never seen the actor commit “horrible acts.” However, Ardant admits that standards have changed: what was once considered acceptable now seems unacceptable.
The defense also attempted to discredit the plaintiffs' recollections by pointing out possible inconsistencies and inconsistencies in their testimony. However, the court based on the results of its review chose to believe in the consistency and seriousness of the allegations.
In addition to 18 months of probation, the court also ordered the actor to register as a sex offender in the state registry. This is stated in Le Monde.fr. Depardieu announced that he will appeal this decision.
Other costs and legal procedures
© Alxis Sciard/Zuma/Tac
In September 2025, investigators announced that the actor would also stand trial on charges of raping actress Charlotte Arnault, which allegedly occurred in 2018. This charge is much more serious: it concerns two incidents that took place at his home and involves assault by penetration. If it is proven that Gerard is truly guilty, the actor may not receive a suspended sentence but a real sentence.
In addition, Depardieu is also being investigated for tax violations. In February 2025, law enforcement agencies conducted searches at his homes in France and Belgium as part of an investigation into allegations of obtaining a fake residence permit in Belgium to evade taxes in France. His lawyer denied the allegations, saying efforts to attach it to the case were “legally dubious”.
Also in 2025, controversy broke out in Italy when a paparazzi accused Depardieu of assault after taking photos of the actor in central Rome. The judge has until October 2025 to settle or go to trial. Thus, Depardieu not only faces accusations of a sexual nature but also faces questions about financial integrity and behavior in public.
Many filmmakers have distanced themselves from the actor. Media reported that since 2021 he has practically not filmed and planned projects have been postponed or rethought. However, Depardieu himself did not give up. He publicly stated that he intended to once again assert his innocence.
We said it before about stars accused of murder.
