PARIS, May 13, 2025 — French actor Gérard Depardieu, one of France’s most internationally recognized film stars, has been found guilty of sexual assault and handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence, according to multiple media reports.
The charges stem from allegations made by two women who accused Depardieu of inappropriate conduct during the filming of a movie in 2021. The verdict was delivered Tuesday by a Paris court following a high-profile trial that has drawn attention both in France and abroad.
📅 Timeline of the Case
- 2021: Two women alleged Depardieu groped and inappropriately touched them on the set of a film.
- 2023: The investigation was expanded to include testimony from witnesses who corroborated the women’s claims.
- May 13, 2025: A judge ruled that the evidence was sufficient to convict the 75-year-old actor, sentencing him to an 18-month suspended term.
The suspended sentence means Depardieu will not serve time in prison unless he commits another offense during the probation period.
🧑⚖️ Legal and Public Reactions
Depardieu has long denied the allegations. His legal team has stated that they plan to appeal the decision, calling the verdict “deeply flawed and politically influenced.”
Women’s rights advocates in France welcomed the ruling, calling it a “small but symbolic victory” in the ongoing effort to hold public figures accountable.
“This verdict sends a message: no one is above the law, no matter how famous,” said Camille Dupont, a spokesperson for a French feminist collective.
🎥 Depardieu’s Career and Controversies
Known for acclaimed films like Cyrano de Bergerac, Green Card, and The Last Metro, Depardieu has been a fixture in European cinema for over five decades. His reputation, however, has been increasingly tarnished by a string of controversies, including past accusations of sexual misconduct.
In 2018, a French actress accused him of rape — a case that remains under investigation.
Final Thoughts
The conviction of Gérard Depardieu marks a significant moment in France’s reckoning with celebrity, power, and accountability. As the case continues through appeals, it is likely to remain a touchpoint in broader conversations around justice and the entertainment industry.
By ✍️ Yorlinda Ramìrez - MicuPost Team
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