Depardieu Denies Sexual Assault Allegations Amid Court Testimony

In an ongoing trial in Paris, Gérard Depardieu has admitted to grabbing a female colleague but vehemently denies accusations of sexual assault. The case, which has attracted attention since the onset of the #MeToo movement in France, sees multiple allegations against the actor, who faces potential prison time if convicted.

On Tuesday, the renowned actor appeared in court for the first time to respond to charges filed by a set decorator, Amélie, who accused him of groping her on the set of the 2022 film “Les Volets Verts.” Depardieu claimed his actions were misinterpreted, asserting he grasped her hips for safety. At 76 years old, the actor lamented a tarnished career, stating he felt victimized by a movement he described as “terrorizing.”

Amélie's testimony presented a stark contrast to Depardieu's, accusing him of loud, inappropriate remarks on set, leading to her distress. The trial embodies a complex cultural tension in France over sexual harassment and the public's perception of long-revered figures in the entertainment industry amidst evolving societal norms.

If the jury finds him guilty, Depardieu could face significant penalties, including a five-year prison sentence and hefty fines, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding consent and accountability in the arts.