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Gerard Depardieu convicted of sexual assault: A step toward accountability in French cinema
French actor Gerard Depardieu has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two women during the filming of the 2021 movie Les Volets Verts. At 76 years old, Depardieu, who has appeared in over 200 films, was handed an 18-month suspended sentence. The victims, both working behind the scenes on the film, had initially been too scared to speak out against the actor at the time of the incidents.
One of the victims, set designer Amelie, testified that Depardieu trapped her in a corridor and groped her, terrifying her with his erratic behavior. Depardieu denied the allegations, with some in the entertainment industry, including French President Emmanuel Macron, previously defending him as a national icon. However, the victims described how the actor had used obscene language before making sexual advances and groping them.
Depardieu, who claimed to be unaware of what sexual assault was, faced intense scrutiny in court. His defense contradicted itself, as he admitted to making physical contact with the victim but tried to downplay the nature of his actions. Carine Diebolt, the lawyer for one of the victims, argued that Depardieu preyed on women without fame, asserting that his behavior would have been different if the women were well-known actors.
Amelie spoke about the emotional toll the assault took on her, calling Depardieu's defense "completely false" and revealing how the experience had left her mentally scarred. Outside the courtroom, Diebolt pointed out that Depardieu's actions had been tolerated for years due to his fame and financial contributions to the film industry. She emphasized that all individuals, regardless of their status, should be held accountable.
In addition to his conviction, Depardieu faces another trial later this year for the alleged rape of actress Charlotte Arnould. The conviction marks a significant moment in France's #MeToo movement, highlighting the increasing efforts to hold powerful figures in the entertainment industry accountable.
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