Gerard Depardieu will be tried in October for sexual assaults committed on the set of the film “Les Volets Verts,” announced the Paris prosecutor’s office on Monday, April 29th. This comes shortly after he was released from a police custody session that lasted several hours at the headquarters of the Paris judicial police. The 75-year-old actor was being questioned about allegations made by three women. The first woman, a set decorator, accused him of sexually assaulting her during the filming of “Les Volets Verts” in 2021. She filed a complaint in February 2024 for sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sexist insults.
According to the victim’s account to Mediapart, Depardieu allegedly made lewd comments during the filming and then later “brutally grabbed her” and touched her waist, belly, and breasts. Another woman, the assistant director on the same set, has also accused him of sexual violence and has filed a complaint. Anouk Grinberg, another actress who was present on set, testified that Depardieu’s behavior was inappropriate and accused the producers of hiring him despite knowing of his past actions. Several other women have also come forward with allegations ranging from harassment to sexual assault, prompting calls for Depardieu to be held accountable for his actions.
Another complaint has been filed by a former production assistant accusing Depardieu of sexual assault in 2014. The woman, who was 24 at the time of the alleged incidents, claims that Depardieu made obscene comments and sexual advances towards her during the filming of “Le Magicien et les Siamois.” The actor denies these accusations, and the complaint may be at risk of being dismissed due to the statute of limitations. Calls have been made for legal reform to allow for cases involving adult victims to be prosecuted beyond the current time limits.
Depardieu is currently facing charges of rape and sexual assault in relation to actress Charlotte Arnould, with the case now under review by the Paris prosecutor’s office. His lawyer has stated that he denies all allegations made against him. Past allegations made by actress Hélène Darras in 2007 were dismissed due to the statute of limitations, while a journalist and writer in Spain has also accused Depardieu of rape in 1995. Depardieu has vehemently denied these accusations in a public statement, labeling the media attention as a form of “witch-hunt” that has affected him deeply.
The multiple allegations against Gerard Depardieu have sparked a wider discussion on accountability for powerful figures in the entertainment industry. His case has highlighted the need for legal reforms to address issues of sexual misconduct and harassment in the workplace. Despite his denial of the allegations, the growing number of complaints against him signals a shift towards greater scrutiny and accountability for individuals accused of such misconduct. The upcoming trial in October will be a pivotal moment in determining the actor’s legal fate and consequences for his actions.
