Tue Mar 25 09:20:00 UTC 2025: ## French Icon Gérard Depardieu’s Sexual Assault Trial Begins Amidst Controversy

**Paris, France** – The trial of renowned French actor Gérard Depardieu, accused of sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021, commenced Monday. The 76-year-old, known internationally for roles in films like “Green Card” and “The Man in the Iron Mask,” pleaded not guilty to charges of using violence and coercion during the alleged assaults while filming “Les Volets Verts.” The accusations, detailed by the Paris prosecutor’s office, involve trapping the victims and groping them.

Depardieu’s lawyer, Jérémie Assous, vehemently denied the allegations, while lawyers for the victims are seeking official recognition of their claims. This trial follows a five-month delay due to Depardieu’s reported ill health.

The actor is also facing separate charges of rape and sexual assault involving actress Charlotte Arnould, dating back to 2018, which he also denies. His repeated denials culminated in a statement to Le Figaro newspaper, where he declared, “Never, absolutely never, have I abused a woman.”

Depardieu’s legal troubles extend beyond these sexual assault allegations. He is currently under investigation for tax fraud and money laundering, linked to his claimed residency in Belgium, a move investigators suspect was designed to avoid French taxes. He was stripped of his honorary citizenship in the Belgian town of Néchin in 2023 following the sexual misconduct allegations.

The actor’s situation sparked a political controversy when President Emmanuel Macron initially described the situation as a “manhunt,” a remark that drew widespread criticism and was later retracted.

Investigative journalist Marine Turchi has reported on over 20 women who allege sexual harassment or assault by Depardieu, some dating back to 1985. Turchi highlights the power imbalance in the French film industry, suggesting it makes reporting such abuse more difficult.

The trial is expected to last two days, with a verdict anticipated within weeks. If convicted, Depardieu faces up to five years imprisonment and a substantial fine.

Read More