Verdict Looms for Gerard Depardieu in High-Profile #MeToo Case

The sexual assault trial of French actor Gerard Depardieu is set for a verdict in Paris. Accused of assaulting two women on a film set in 2021, Depardieu has denied the charges. The case highlights evolving attitudes towards sexual violence in France amid ongoing #MeToo revelations.

A Paris court is poised to deliver its verdict on Tuesday in the sexual assault trial of Gerard Depardieu, a towering figure of French cinema. The French actor is accused of assaulting two women during a 2021 film shoot, charges he has consistently denied.

The #MeToo movement, while not as influential in France as in the U.S., may be seeing a shift in social attitudes regarding sexual assault. One plaintiff, a set decorator, testified about being groped by Depardieu, while another recounted similar experiences.

The trial has sparked discussions about sexism within the film industry and has highlighted a generational divide, with some veteran actresses expressing support for Depardieu. The court's decision could be pivotal for the #MeToo movement in France.

(With inputs from agencies.)