French actor Gerard Depardieu, on trial for alleged sexual assault on two women during a 2021 film shoot, denies misconduct while calling the #MeToo movement “a form of hysteria.”
Paris, March 27: Celebrated French actor Gerard Depardieu appeared in a Paris court on Wednesday for the third day of his ongoing sexual assault trial, denying allegations of inappropriate conduct while controversially stating that placing a hand on someone’s buttocks does not constitute sexual assault.
The 76-year-old actor, known for decades of critically acclaimed performances, is standing trial for allegedly groping two women on a film set in 2021. This is his first trial, despite multiple accusations surfacing against him in recent years, casting a shadow over his legacy and highlighting persistent issues regarding gendered abuse in the entertainment industry.
“Sexual assault is something more serious than that,” Depardieu said, downplaying the accusation when questioned by the court. “But a hand on someone’s buttocks, it’s not … (that).” He later claimed he didn’t fully understand the legal definition of sexual assault but firmly denied touching either woman inappropriately.
One of the plaintiffs, who has remained anonymous, told the court she was “petrified” and “shocked” by the incident. Under French law, touching someone’s buttocks without consent is clearly defined as sexual assault.
Throughout the trial, Depardieu has openly criticized the #MeToo movement, calling it “a form of hysteria” and suggesting that women have become “too easily shocked.” These remarks have drawn criticism and renewed discussions about accountability and the treatment of women in film.
Depardieu also admitted to grabbing one woman, Amelie K, by the hips, but denied any sexual intent. His defense lawyer, Jeremie Assous, has taken a combative stance, claiming that the charges are part of a broader agenda to “bring Depardieu down.”
Adding emotional weight to the proceedings, actress Charlotte Arnould—who has separately accused Depardieu of raping her in 2018—was present in the courtroom. When Depardieu’s legal team called her a liar, Arnould broke down in tears, receiving a supportive gesture from Amelie K, who smiled at her kindly.
Depardieu faces up to five years in prison and a €75,000 ($81,000) fine if found guilty. In Arnould’s case, a judge will soon decide whether it will proceed to trial.
As the legal drama unfolds, the trial continues to stir debate in France and beyond, raising crucial questions about consent, accountability, and power dynamics in the entertainment world.