Gérard Depardieu, a celebrated French actor, has been convicted by a Paris court of sexually assaulting two women on a film set. He received an 18-month suspended prison sentence on Tuesday.

In addition to the suspended sentence, Depardieu was fined 29,040 euros (approximately $32,350), and the court has requested his inclusion in the national sex offender registry.

The 76-year-old actor was found guilty of groping a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant during the 2021 filming of “Les Volets Verts” (“The Green Shutters”). This case has been widely regarded as a crucial test of how French society and its film industry respond to sexual misconduct allegations against prominent figures in the post-#MeToo era.

Depardieu, who denies the allegations, was not present at the Paris hearing. His lawyer has stated that he will appeal the decision.

Carine Durrieu Diebolt, the set dresser’s lawyer, hailed the verdict as “the victory of two women, but it is the victory of all the women beyond this trial.” She expressed hope that it would mark “the end of impunity for an artist in the world of cinema,” stating, “I think that with this decision we can no longer say that he is not a sexual abuser. And today, as the Cannes Film Festival opens, I’d like the film world to spare a thought for Gérard Depardieu’s victims.”

Depardieu’s extensive career, spanning over 250 films, has established him as a major figure in French cinema. He received an Oscar nomination in 1991 for his role in “Cyrano de Bergerac.”

In recent years, he has faced numerous public accusations and formal complaints of misconduct from over 20 women. However, this sexual assault case is the only one to have reached the courts, with other cases being dropped due to insufficient evidence or the statute of limitations.

During the four-day trial in March, Depardieu refuted the accusations, asserting that he is “not like that.” While he admitted to using vulgar and sexualized language on set and grabbing the set dresser’s hips during an argument, he denied any sexual intent.

The court, comprised of three judges, deemed Depardieu’s explanations “unpersuasive” and “not credible,” emphasizing the “constant, reiterated and substantiated declarations” of both accusers.

The court also noted the “aggressive” defense strategy, characterized by “comments meant to offend them,” which aggravated the harm to the accusers and justified the higher fines.

Depardieu’s lawyer, Jérémie Assous, expressed regret that the court “considered that questioning the accusations is an additional assault … which means that now the defense, even in this type of trial, is no longer accepted.”

The set dresser recounted the alleged assault, stating that Depardieu trapped her between his legs in a narrow corridor.

She testified that he grabbed her hips and then began “palpating” her behind and “in front, around,” demonstrating the alleged actions by running her hands near her buttocks, hips, and pubic area. She further stated that he then grabbed her chest.

The woman also testified that Depardieu used an obscene expression to ask her to touch his penis and suggested he wanted to rape her. She told the court that his calm and cooperative demeanor during the trial was in stark contrast to his behavior on the film set.

The other plaintiff, an assistant, testified that Depardieu groped her buttocks and breasts during three separate incidents on the set.

In accordance with its policy, The Associated Press does not identify alleged sexual assault victims by name unless they consent to be named. Neither woman has done so in this case, although one has agreed to be photographed.

“I’m very moved,” the set dresser told reporters after the verdict. “I’m very, very much satisfied with the decision, that’s a victory for me, really, and a big progress, a step forward. I feel justice was made.”

Some members of the French film community have voiced their support for Depardieu, with actors Vincent Perez and Fanny Ardant attending the trial on his side.

French media reported that Depardieu was recently filming a movie directed by Ardant in the Azores archipelago, Portugal.

The actor may face additional legal proceedings soon.

In 2018, actor Charlotte Arnould accused him of rape at his home. This case remains active, and prosecutors requested in August 2024 that it proceed to trial.

For over fifty years, Depardieu has been a dominant figure in French cinema, renowned for his commanding presence, instinct, sensibility, and versatility.

A bon vivant who overcame a speech impediment and a troubled youth, Depardieu rose to prominence in the 1970s and became one of France’s most celebrated actors, portraying a diverse range of characters from volatile outsiders to deeply introspective figures.

In recent years, his behavior toward women has faced increased scrutiny, particularly after a documentary surfaced showing him making repeated obscene remarks and gestures during a 2018 trip to North Korea.