Renowned French actor Gérard Depardieu, 76, is standing trial in France for allegedly sexually assaulting two women on the set of Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters) in 2021.
Depardieu is accused of groping a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant director during filming. The women, who remain unidentified, claim he made unwanted advances, including groping and using obscene language, according to The Associated Press. Witnesses allegedly saw him restraining one woman with his legs and inappropriately touching her before being pulled away by bodyguards.
Although more than 20 women have accused Depardieu of sexual misconduct over the years, this is the first time he is facing trial. His lawyer, Jérémie Assous, has denied the allegations, stating, “The truth is on our side.”
At the time of the alleged incidents, Depardieu was already under investigation for rape. He continues to deny any wrongdoing.
This high-profile trial marks a significant moment in the ongoing scrutiny of misconduct in the film industry.
