French cinema icon Gérard Depardieu found guilty of sexual assault by Paris court

A Paris court on Tuesday found French film star Gérard Depardieu guilty of sexual assault against two women on a 2021 film set and handed him an 18-month suspended prison sentence. Depardieu's lawyer later said the actor would appeal the conviction, Report informs via France24.

The actor received an 18-month suspended prison sentence for the sexual assault of two women on a 2021 movie set – charges he denied during the closely watched trial.

The Paris court also ordered that Depardieu, 76, who was not present in court for the verdict, be inscribed on the sex offenders' register. He was also fined a total of €29,040 (around $32,350).

Depardieu's lawyer said the actor would be appealing his conviction.

“It is the victory of two women, but it is the victory of all the women beyond this trial,” said Carine Durrieu-Diebolt, a lawyer for one of the women. “Today we hope to see the end of impunity for an artist in the world of cinema. 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."

Around 20 women have accused the actor of assault or inappropriate behaviour, but this is the first case to come to court.

The trial related to charges of sexual assault during the filming in 2021 of "Les Volets Verts" ("The Green Shutters") by director Jean Becker.

The plaintiffs are a set dresser, 54, identified only as Amelie, and a 34-year-old assistant director, who accused the actor of sexual assault.

In March, lead prosecutor Laurent Guy recommended an 18-month suspended jail term for Depardieu, arguing that the sentence "takes into account the total lack of remorse" shown by the defendant.

He said Depardieu should also be ordered to undergo psychological treatment and be added to France's sex offender registry.