French cinema star Gérard Depardieu faces a suspended prison term and registration as a sex-offender if he is convicted today of assault. At his trial six weeks ago, the court heard testimony from two women who said the 76-year-old actor groped them during work on a film set in Paris in 2021. Depardieu denies the allegations. In his summing-up before the judge on 27 March, prosecutor Laurent Guy said: "It's perfectly possible to be an excellent actor and a great father - and still commit a crime. "You are not here to pass judgment on French cinema. You are here to judge Gérard Depardieu, just as you would any other citizen." The prosecutor asked for a suspended prison term of 18 months, as well as a €20,000 (£16,850) fine and registration on the sex-offenders' list. Claude Vincent, representing one of the two women plaintiffs, described Depardieu as a "misogynist" and a "case-study in sexism". But for the defence, Jérémie Assous demanded an acquittal and called the plaintiffs' team "more militants than lawyers". "They cannot bear that there should even be a defence. They think any defence is a supplementary assault," he told the court. The alleged assaults took place in September 2021 when Depardieu was making a film called Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters) about an ageing actor coming to terms with his declining powers. It was the first time the actor appeared in court on sexual assault charges. Several other women have made similar allegations in the media, and an alleged rape case could come to trial. The first plaintiff - a set decorator - told the court that after a minor argument with Depardieu, he caught her between his legs and held her by the hips. The second woman - an assistant director - said the actor touched her buttocks and breasts through her clothes on three separate occasions. Depardieu denied the allegations, saying only that he might have touched the women accidentally or to keep his balance. At the end of the hearings, Depardieu said: "My name has been dragged through the mud by lies and insults. "A trial can be a very special experience for an actor. Seeing all this anger, the police, the press. It's like being in a science fiction film, except it's not science fiction. It's life." He thanked the prosecution and defence teams for giving him insights into how courts operate. "These lessons may be an inspiration for me one day if I get to play a lawyer," he said. Depardieu said he had not worked as an actor for three years since the sexual allegations against him began to circulate. However earlier this month it was reported he had begun work in the Azores on a film directed by his friend, the actress Fanny Ardant. Depardieu is playing a magician on a mysterious island, according to media reports. Ardant appeared with Depardieu in Les Volets Verts and spoke in his defence at the trial. "Genius - in whatever form it takes - carries within it an element of the extravagant, the untamed, the dangerous. (Depardieu) is the monster and the saint," she said. Another veteran French actress took Depardieu's side on Monday. In a rare interview with French television, Brigitte Bardot, 90, deplored how "talented people who touch the buttocks of a girl are consigned to the deepest dungeon." "Feminism isn't my thing," Bardot said. "Personally, I like men."
Verdict due in Gérard Depardieu sexual assault trial
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Gérard Depardieu Awaits Verdict in Sexual Assault Trial"
Bbc News
7.1
TruthLens AI Summary
Gérard Depardieu, the renowned French actor, is currently awaiting a verdict in a sexual assault trial that has garnered significant attention. The trial, which took place six weeks ago, involved allegations from two women who accused the 76-year-old actor of groping them on the set of a film in Paris in September 2021. The prosecution, led by Laurent Guy, has called for a suspended prison sentence of 18 months, a €20,000 fine, and registration on the sex-offenders' list, emphasizing that being a celebrated actor does not exempt one from criminal accountability. During the trial, one plaintiff, a set decorator, described an incident where Depardieu allegedly held her by the hips after a disagreement, while the second plaintiff, an assistant director, recounted multiple instances of inappropriate touching. Depardieu has vehemently denied the allegations, suggesting that any contact was accidental or intended to maintain his balance. He expressed his distress over the accusations, stating that his reputation has been tarnished by what he claims are lies and insults.
The defense, represented by Jérémie Assous, has argued for Depardieu's acquittal, asserting that the plaintiffs' legal team is more focused on activism than legal representation. The actor's public image has been further complicated by past allegations from other women, including a potential rape case that may come to trial. Despite the legal troubles, Depardieu has recently resumed acting, reportedly working on a film in the Azores, where he plays a magician. Notably, fellow actress Fanny Ardant, who has collaborated with Depardieu, has defended him, describing the complexity of genius as encompassing both the extraordinary and the dangerous. In a separate statement, Brigitte Bardot, another iconic figure in French cinema, criticized the societal backlash against men accused of minor transgressions, expressing her discontent with contemporary feminist movements. As the trial concludes, the implications of the verdict will likely resonate beyond the courtroom, touching on broader issues of accountability, gender dynamics, and the treatment of public figures in the wake of allegations of misconduct.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the ongoing trial of Gérard Depardieu, a prominent French actor accused of sexual assault. It outlines the allegations made by two women regarding incidents that occurred on a film set in 2021, and it discusses the legal proceedings that have followed. The content reveals a complex interplay of celebrity culture, societal norms regarding sexual misconduct, and the justice system's handling of such cases.
Legal and Societal Implications
The case reflects broader societal issues surrounding sexual assault and the challenges faced by victims when seeking justice. The prosecutor's statement emphasizes that being a public figure does not exempt one from accountability. This perspective may encourage more victims to come forward, knowing that high-profile individuals can also face legal consequences. The framing of Depardieu as a "misogynist" by one of the plaintiffs' representatives further highlights the cultural critique embedded in the trial.
Public Perception and Media Influence
The media's portrayal of the trial can shape public opinion significantly. By emphasizing the accusations and the potential consequences for Depardieu, the article may influence how audiences perceive both the actor and the issue of sexual assault in the film industry. This could lead to greater scrutiny of other public figures and their conduct, fostering a culture of accountability.
Hidden Narratives
There may be underlying narratives that this article does not address, such as the potential implications for the film industry and its treatment of women. The mention of other allegations against Depardieu raises questions about a systemic issue within the industry that may not be fully explored in this particular piece. This could indicate a desire to focus on the individual case rather than the broader context of sexual misconduct in Hollywood.
Manipulative Elements
The article could be seen as having a manipulative aspect, particularly in its language and framing. By portraying the defense as "militant" and the accusations as a direct challenge to the actor's character, it may evoke a sense of polarization among readers. This kind of language can provoke strong emotional responses and may serve to distract from the serious nature of the allegations.
Trustworthiness of the Report
The report appears credible, as it provides direct quotes from court proceedings and includes perspectives from both the prosecution and defense. However, the selection of quotes and the emphasis on certain arguments over others could indicate a bias in how the information is presented. Overall, the article serves to inform the public about the trial while simultaneously shaping the narrative around it.
Broader Implications
This trial and its coverage may have significant repercussions for societal attitudes toward sexual assault, particularly in the entertainment industry. Increased awareness and discussions about consent and accountability could emerge, influencing both public policy and industry standards.
In conclusion, the article aims to highlight the complexities of the legal battle involving Gérard Depardieu while stirring public discourse on sexual misconduct and accountability in the entertainment industry.