In brief
In an exclusive courtroom confrontation, the 76-year-old film star denies claims made by two women, insisting any touching was purely accidental and reflecting on the challenges of navigating today's social landscape.
The trial, now on its third day, has featured intense exchanges and a defense strategy aimed at discrediting the plaintiffs. Depardieu, who is accused of assaulting two women on a film set in 2021, maintains his innocence, asserting he is no sexual abuser. As he struggled to adapt to what he perceives as a transformed society, the actor candidly described his discomfort with the evolving cultural norms. Testifying in court, Depardieu acknowledged compliance with a self-imposed rule forbidding female assistants in his dressing room to avoid putting anyone in an uncomfortable position. He characterized his language as "rude" and "vulgar," dismissing these actions as relics from an older era that may not align with current standards. Throughout the trial's proceedings, Depardieu's defense attorney—Jérémie Assous—has taken an aggressive approach, attempting to undermine the credibility of the two women accusing the actor. During cross-examinations, Depardieu faced crucial questioning, where he appeared to downplay the severity of physical contact, asserting that a hand on a buttock did not constitute sexual assault. The actor, with a storied career marked by accolades and challenges, is facing serious consequences if convicted. The allegations stem from incidents during the filming of "Les Volets Verts" (The Green Shutters), with the plaintiffs providing conflicting testimonies regarding their encounters with him on set. As the trial continues, with potential sentencing looming, the public watches closely, witnessing the former cinema icon under rare scrutiny.
