Gérard Depardieu Faces Intense Scrutiny in Ongoing Sexual Assault Trial

In a dramatic trial that has captivated public attention, Gérard Depardieu is confronting allegations of sexual assault from two women, denying any wrongdoing while admitting to feeling out of touch with contemporary societal values.

Gérard Depardieu, the iconic French actor, is currently embroiled in a high-profile sexual assault trial in Paris, where he has vehemently denied the allegations against him. On the third day of proceedings, the actor, aged 76, openly acknowledged that his behavior and language were reflective of a bygone era, which he described as "rude" and "vulgar." He recalled a time when he insisted on avoiding interactions with female staff in his dressing room to prevent potential offense.

"I try to minimize my voice in this new world," he stated, expressing discomfort with modern societal expectations. Despite his admission, Depardieu firmly rejected the label of sexual abuser. "I don't find any pleasure in touching a woman's body without consent," he asserted, distancing himself from the accusations. He is accused of inappropriate touching against two women on the set of a film in 2021. The plaintiffs allege that he inappropriately touched them in ways they deemed unacceptable. In his defense, Depardieu maintained that any contact was either accidental or a misinterpretation of his intentions.

He's at risk of a five-year prison sentence and a potential fine if he is found guilty. The courtroom has been characterized by combative exchanges, particularly between Depardieu's lawyer, Jérémie Assous, and the plaintiffs' legal team, as they strive to undermine each other's credibility. During the trial, Depardieu faced intense questioning and appeared to downplay the definition of sexual assault when pressed on the matter. A confrontational moment arose when the plaintiffs' lawyer pointedly asked if a hand on a buttock was sufficient for an assault charge. Assous rebutted that the representations made by the opposing counsel were misleading.

The plaintiffs revealed their accounts of the incidents, including one woman alleging that Depardieu harassed her following a minor dispute, while another described multiple occasions where she was allegedly assaulted. Complicating the case are photographs presented by the defense appearing to show the plaintiffs and Depardieu in a friendly demeanor post-shooting.

One of the plaintiffs admitted to fearing that her initial hesitation to report the behavior stemmed from societal influence and media portrayals of similar accusations involving other celebrities. In court, she expressed that the alleged incidents have left her in distress, impacting her well-being.

As Day 3 of the trial unfolded, Depardieu's physical state was also a topic of discussion. Struggling with mobility, he was assisted by a large bodyguard and used a special seat brought to court. Observers noted that the trial presents an unusual opportunity for the public to view a once-admired figure from a significantly different perspective, following various allegations that have circulated about him over the years.