Key Points:

• Gérard Depardieu admits to grabbing a woman by the hips but denies any sexual assault during his trial.
• The trial involves testimony from multiple accusers, alleging sexual misconduct on a film set.
• If found guilty, Depardieu could face a sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of €75,000.

French actor Gérard Depardieu, facing allegations of sexual assault, has taken the stand in a trial that marks a spotlight on issues of misconduct in the film industry amid the #MeToo movement. During court proceedings that began on March 25, 2025, Depardieu admitted to grabbing the hips of a set dresser who has accused him of assault but insisted this act was not intended to be sexual. “I grabbed her hips to keep from slipping,” he stated in response to accusations from Amélie K., a 54-year-old set dresser who claims to have been groped by him on the set of the film Les Volets Verts in 2021.

Amélie K. testified that Depardieu had touched her inappropriately multiple times, making lewd remarks that left her feeling terrified, while also stating that he physically cornered her with his body during these incidents. Additional plaintiffs have come forward with similar stories, alleging they faced inappropriate contact from the 76-year-old actor. This court case constitutes notable legal action within the context of evolving societal views on sexual behavior in professional environments, particularly after the widespread discourse spurred by the #MeToo movement.

Depardieu's trial has become a pivotal event in France's cultural landscape, highlighting a reckoning within the entertainment industry. He faces accusations from numerous women; however, this is the first case to reach trial among them. The actor has firmly denied all allegations, asserting his innocence and claiming that he suffers from a tarnished reputation due to the allegations he faces.

During the proceedings, Depardieu defended himself by stating, “I don’t see why I would grope a woman,” suggesting that his past remarks, deemed crude, were misinterpreted and stemmed from personal frustrations. Additionally, he emphasized his long career as a renowned actor in French cinema, having starred in over 230 films. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and substantial fines, marking a significant moment in the social discussion surrounding consent, power dynamics, and accountability in the arts. For more information, visit NY Times and HuffPost.