Gerard Depardieu's Guilty Verdict: Test for French Cinema Post-#MeToo

A Paris court convicted actor Gerard Depardieu of sexually assaulting two women on a 2021 film set, handing him an 18-month suspended sentence. The case was a post-#MeToo test for the French film industry. Depardieu has denied the accusations and has faced allegations from over 20 women.

A Paris court has found actor Gerard Depardieu guilty of sexually assaulting two women on a movie set in 2021, resulting in an 18-month suspended prison sentence. The allegations, now confirmed in court, have put a spotlight on how the French film industry addresses sexual misconduct.

Depardieu, 76, denied the accusations, stating his behavior was not sexual despite having used vulgar language and inappropriate physical contact during the filming of 'Les Volets Verts.' The case against Depardieu, who has had a storied career with more than 250 films, challenges the norms of how prominent figures are held accountable post-#MeToo.

The actor faces potential future legal challenges, as more than 20 women have publicly accused him of misconduct over the years. While not all cases have proceeded to court, one active rape allegation dating back to 2018 could result in further trials for the once-revered French cinema icon.

(With inputs from agencies.)