French actor Gérard Depardieu is on trial in a Paris courtroom, facing up to five years in prison and a fine of €75,000 if convicted of allegedly sexually assaulting two women. The 76-year-old actor has denied all charges, claiming he grabbed the hips of one woman to avoid slipping due to heat exhaustion.
Depardieu faces allegations from a set decorator, Amélie, who claims he pulled her towards him, trapped her between his thighs, and made suggestive comments about her body. She described Depardieu as being angry and agitated during their encounter, with “red eyes” and a “crazy look”.
The actor has maintained that the alleged assault was not a sex crime, citing his size and weight as evidence that he could not have gripped the victim between his thighs. He also claimed to be unaware of the allegations against him until they were published in the media.
Depardieu’s defense is centered on his reputation and his claims that the #MeToo movement has damaged it unfairly. The trial continues, with Depardieu maintaining his innocence and the prosecution pushing for a conviction.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/mar/25/gerard-depardieu-admits-grabbing-sexual-assault-accuser-hips