• Gérard Depardieu has been convicted of sexually assaulting two women on a film set, receiving an 18-month suspended sentence.
• Both accusers provided consistent and credible testimonies, revealing a pattern of aggressive behavior.
• The decision is seen as a significant marker in France's ongoing reckoning with the #MeToo movement.
• Depardieu, who denies the allegations, plans to appeal the verdict.
• This case highlights broader societal issues regarding sexual violence and accountability in the film industry.

A Paris court found French actor Gérard Depardieu guilty of sexually assaulting two women, handing down an 18-month suspended sentence on May 13, 2025. The accusations stem from incidents on the set of the film "Les Volets Verts" in 2021, where the actor was accused of groping a set decorator and an assistant director. This case not only marked the first time Depardieu faced such charges in court but also resonated widely within the context of France's ongoing confrontation with its #MeToo movement, according to NPR and TRT Global.

During the trial, both women recounted their experiences wherein Depardieu allegedly trapped and groped them, using inappropriate language and exhibiting a pattern of misconduct. One woman, identified as Amélie, testified that Depardieu groped her all over her body and laughed during the assault. The second plaintiff corroborated similar encounters, highlighting a disturbing trend in the actor’s interactions with female colleagues, as reported by BBC and Independent.

Judges remarked on the consistent and credible nature of the women’s testimonies, emphasizing their accounts as coherent and supported by witness statements. They pointed out that while there might have been uncertainties regarding specific events, the overall context and testimonies were compelling, according to New York Times and Los Angeles Times.

Aside from the criminal convictions, the court has mandated that Depardieu’s name be added to France’s sex offender registry, a significant punitive measure reflecting society's shifting viewpoints on accountability in the film industry. This case is viewed as a watershed moment in France's cultural landscape, representing a growing recognition of sexual misconduct and the need for systemic change, as indicated by Al Jazeera and India Times.

Despite the conviction, Depardieu has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming that he did not view his actions as sexual assault, suggesting that the changing cultural norms surrounding consent are foreign to him. Following the verdict, his legal team has announced plans to appeal, stating he will continue to fight the charges against him, per South China Morning Post and Newsweek.