Paris is buzzing with scandal as French acting legend Gérard Depardieu, 75, faces a bombshell trial over multiple alleged sexual assaults on a film set. The Oscar-nominated star, known for Cyrano de Bergerac and Green Card, appeared in a Paris court Monday to battle misconduct accusations during a 2021 movie shoot—a case that could shatter his legacy and ignite new #MeToo reckoning in Europe.
Sources close to the production claim two crew members accused Depardieu of inappropriate touching and aggressive behavior, with one alleging he “crossed lines repeatedly” during filming. While the actor denies all charges, leaked court documents reveal prosecutors have gathered testimonies from over a dozen witnesses, including A-list co-stars.
Depardieu’s lawyer slammed the claims as “fiction,” insisting, “This is a targeted attack on a man who refuses to conform to Hollywood’s new political rules.” However, critics argue that the trial exposes a toxic culture of silence in European cinema. “Powerful men think they’re untouchable. Not anymore,” tweeted filmmaker Judith Godrèche, who recently accused another French director of abuse.
Fans are divided as the trial unfolds. Some rally behind the actor, flooding social media with clips of his iconic roles, while others demand accountability. “Art shouldn’t excuse crime,” argued activist group Balance Ton Film, planning protests outside the courthouse.
Depardieu’s career hangs in the balance—Netflix already scrapped a biopic starring him last year, and whispers of revoked awards grow louder. As the drama escalates, insiders hint more accusers may come forward. “This trial is just the tip of the iceberg,” warned a source close to the case.
Will France’s beloved enfant terrible walk free, or will this trial end his 60-year reign in cinema? The world is watching.