Latest news with #ParisCriminalCourt
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Judges expected to deliver verdict in Depardieu sex assault trial
Judges at the Paris Criminal Court are expected to deliver their verdict on Tuesday in the sexual assault trial of the French cinema icon Gérard Depardieu. If found guilty, prosecutors want an 18-month suspended prison sentence for the 76-year-old Frenchman who has starred in more than 200 films and TV series since emerging in Bertrand Blier's 1974 feature Les Valseuses. During the hearing in March, a 54-year-old set dresser identified only as Amelie and Sarah, a 34-year-old assistant director, accused the actor of attacking them during the filming in 2021 of "Les Volets Verts" by director Jean Becker. Depardieu denies the charges. Amelie said that Depardieu had behaved like a wild animal on set. Depardieu had boasted he could give women an orgasm without touching them, she told the court. She also said Depardieu made obscene remarks and suggestions. "I'm vulgar, rude, foul-mouthed, I'll accept that," Depardieu told the court. "I don't touch. I adore women and femininity," he added. During the third day of the trial, Sarah and Depardieu recounted different versions of the incidents on the film set in September 2021. Depardieu denied touching her but she told the court she recalled Depardieu's hand on her buttock. "I may have brushed against her with my back in the corridor, but I didn't touch her," Depardieu said. "We left the dressing rooms, it was dark and at the end of the street, he put his hand on my buttock, he put it down quietly." Throughout the trial, Depardieu was supported by his daughter, Roxane, his ex-partner, Karine Silla and actor Vincent Perez. Read more on RFI EnglishRead also:Sexual assault trial of French actor Depardieu suspended until MarchFrench prosecutors request trial in Depardieu rape probeFrench screen star Depardieu to go on trial for sexual assault in October
Local France
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Local France
Verdict due in Depardieu sexual assault case
The actor is facing a possible 18-month suspended prison sentence for the alleged sexual assault of two women on a 2021 movie set -- charges he denied during the closely watched trial. Depardieu, who has acted in more than 200 films and television series, is the highest-profile figure caught up in France's response to the #MeToo movement. Around 20 women have accused the actor of assault or inappropriate behaviour, but this is the first case to come to court. The trial relates 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 accuse the actor of sexual assault. Of the two, only Amelie is expected to be present for the verdict. Depardieu, who is currently filming a movie in Portugal, will also attend, his lawyer Jeremie Assous told broadcaster Franceinfo. The Paris Criminal Court will deliver its verdict from 10:00 am. 'Lack of remorse' 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. Amelie testified that Depardieu pinned her down in 2021 on set, saying, "he was very strong" and "groped" her. She also said Depardieu made "obscene remarks" and suggestions, boasting he could "give women an orgasm without touching them". Advertisement The 34-year-old plaintiff said Depardieu initially assaulted her when she accompanied him from his dressing room to the set. "It was nighttime... he put his hand on my buttocks," she said, adding that the actor assaulted her on two other occasions. Depardieu, 76, has denied sexually assaulting the women. "I'm vulgar, rude, foul-mouthed, I'll accept that," he told the court, but he added: "I don't touch." "I adore women and femininity," he also said, while describing the #MeToo movement as a "reign of terror". Throughout the trial, Depardieu has been supported by his daughter Roxane, his ex-partner Karine Silla and actor Vincent Perez. And on Monday, he won public backing from French film star Brigitte Bardot. "Those who have talent and put their hands on a girl's bottom are thrown in the gutter," Bardot said. "We could at least let them get on with their lives. They can't live anymore." Advertisement 'Sexism and misogyny' Lawyers for the two plaintiffs denounced the approach of Depardieu's defence team. The actor's lawyer Jeremie Assous called the two women "liars" and "hysterical", arguing they were working for the cause of "rabid feminism". Claude Vincent, the assistant director's lawyer, said: "What we witnessed was not a defence strategy" but "an apology for sexism". In an open letter, nearly 200 French lawyers urged the judiciary to fight what they called courtroom sexism. Depardieu's lawyer had "used sexism and misogyny to his heart's delight" to discredit the plaintiffs and their legal team, they said. Depardieu has also been indicted in another case following a rape complaint filed by actor Charlotte Arnould, 29. Prosecutors have requested a trial. In April, French MPs criticised "endemic" abuse in the entertainment industry after a six-month inquiry. Depardieu became a star in France from the 1980s, winning the Best Actor award in 1990 for his performance in "Cyrano de Bergerac".
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Verdict due in Depardieu sexual assault case
A Paris court is to deliver a verdict Tuesday in the sexual assault trial of French cinema icon Gerard Depardieu, in a case that has further tarnished the reputation of one of France's greatest stars. The actor is facing a possible 18-month suspended prison sentence for the alleged sexual assault of two women on a 2021 movie set -- charges he denied during the closely watched trial. Depardieu, who has acted in more than 200 films and television series, is the highest-profile figure caught up in France's response to the #MeToo movement. Around 20 women have accused the actor of assault or inappropriate behaviour, but this is the first case to come to court. The trial relates 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 accuse the actor of sexual assault. Of the two, only Amelie is expected to be present for the verdict. Depardieu, who is currently filming a movie in Portugal, will also attend, his lawyer Jeremie Assous told broadcaster Franceinfo. The Paris Criminal Court will deliver its verdict from 10:00 am (0800 GMT). - 'Lack of remorse' - 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. Amelie testified that Depardieu pinned her down in 2021 on set, saying, "he was very strong" and "groped" her. She also said Depardieu made "obscene remarks" and suggestions, boasting he could "give women an orgasm without touching them". The 34-year-old plaintiff said Depardieu initially assaulted her when she accompanied him from his dressing room to the set. "It was nighttime... he put his hand on my buttocks," she said, adding that the actor assaulted her on two other occasions. Depardieu, 76, has denied sexually assaulting the women. "I'm vulgar, rude, foul-mouthed, I'll accept that," he told the court, but he added: "I don't touch." "I adore women and femininity," he also said, while describing the #MeToo movement as a "reign of terror". Throughout the trial, Depardieu has been supported by his daughter Roxane, his ex-partner Karine Silla and actor Vincent Perez. And on Monday, he won public backing from French film star Brigitte Bardot. "Those who have talent and put their hands on a girl's bottom are thrown in the gutter," Bardot said. "We could at least let them get on with their lives. They can't live anymore." - 'Sexism and misogyny' - Lawyers for the two plaintiffs denounced the approach of Depardieu's defence team. The actor's lawyer Jeremie Assous called the two women "liars" and "hysterical", arguing they were working for the cause of "rabid feminism". Claude Vincent, the assistant director's lawyer, said: "What we witnessed was not a defence strategy" but "an apology for sexism". In an open letter, nearly 200 French lawyers urged the judiciary to fight what they called courtroom sexism. Depardieu's lawyer had "used sexism and misogyny to his heart's delight" to discredit the plaintiffs and their legal team, they said. Depardieu has also been indicted in another case following a rape complaint filed by actor Charlotte Arnould, 29. Prosecutors have requested a trial. In April, French MPs criticised "endemic" abuse in the entertainment industry after a six-month inquiry. Depardieu became a star in France from the 1980s, winning the Best Actor award in 1990 for his performance in "Cyrano de Bergerac". cbr-ekf/sjw/yad/fec
France 24
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- France 24
Verdict due in Depardieu sexual assault case
The actor is facing a possible 18-month suspended prison sentence for the alleged sexual assault of two women on a 2021 movie set -- charges he denied during the closely watched trial. Depardieu, who has acted in more than 200 films and television series, is the highest-profile figure caught up in France's response to the #MeToo movement. Around 20 women have accused the actor of assault or inappropriate behaviour, but this is the first case to come to court. The trial relates 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 accuse the actor of sexual assault. Of the two, only Amelie is expected to be present for the verdict. Depardieu, who is currently filming a movie in Portugal, will also attend, his lawyer Jeremie Assous told broadcaster Franceinfo. The Paris Criminal Court will deliver its verdict from 10:00 am (0800 GMT). 'Lack of remorse' 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. Amelie testified that Depardieu pinned her down in 2021 on set, saying, "he was very strong" and "groped" her. She also said Depardieu made "obscene remarks" and suggestions, boasting he could "give women an orgasm without touching them". The 34-year-old plaintiff said Depardieu initially assaulted her when she accompanied him from his dressing room to the set. "It was nighttime... he put his hand on my buttocks," she said, adding that the actor assaulted her on two other occasions. Depardieu, 76, has denied sexually assaulting the women. "I'm vulgar, rude, foul-mouthed, I'll accept that," he told the court, but he added: "I don't touch." "I adore women and femininity," he also said, while describing the #MeToo movement as a "reign of terror". Throughout the trial, Depardieu has been supported by his daughter Roxane, his ex-partner Karine Silla and actor Vincent Perez. And on Monday, he won public backing from French film star Brigitte Bardot. "Those who have talent and put their hands on a girl's bottom are thrown in the gutter," Bardot said. "We could at least let them get on with their lives. They can't live anymore." 'Sexism and misogyny' Lawyers for the two plaintiffs denounced the approach of Depardieu's defence team. The actor's lawyer Jeremie Assous called the two women "liars" and "hysterical", arguing they were working for the cause of "rabid feminism". Claude Vincent, the assistant director's lawyer, said: "What we witnessed was not a defence strategy" but "an apology for sexism". In an open letter, nearly 200 French lawyers urged the judiciary to fight what they called courtroom sexism. Depardieu's lawyer had "used sexism and misogyny to his heart's delight" to discredit the plaintiffs and their legal team, they said. Depardieu has also been indicted in another case following a rape complaint filed by actor Charlotte Arnould, 29. Prosecutors have requested a trial. In April, French MPs criticised "endemic" abuse in the entertainment industry after a six-month inquiry. Depardieu became a star in France from the 1980s, winning the Best Actor award in 1990 for his performance in "Cyrano de Bergerac".
Kuwait Times
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
Verdict due Tuesday in Depardieu sexual assault trial
A Paris court is to give a verdict Tuesday in the sexual assault trial of French cinema icon Gerard Depardieu in a case that has gripped the country. The ruling will coincide with the start of the Cannes Film Festival and is likely to be among the biggest talking points at the cinema extravaganza. Depardieu, who has acted in more than 200 films and television series, is the highest-profile figure caught up in France's response to the #MeToo movement. He has been accused of improper behavior by around 20 women, but this is the first case to come to court. The trial relates to charges of sexual assault during the filming in 2021 of 'Les Volets Verts' ('The Green Shutters') by director Jean Becker. Nearly two months after the high-profile proceedings, the Paris Criminal Court will deliver its verdict from 10:00 am (0800 GMT) Tuesday. The plaintiffs are a set dresser, 54, identified only as Amelie, and a 34-year-old assistant director, who accuse the actor of sexual assault. Only Amelie is expected to be present for the verdict. Depardieu, 76, might not be in attendance. The actor, who had complained that he had been out of work for three years, is to star in a film directed by his friend, actor Fanny Ardant. The shooting of the scenes involving Depardieu began in April in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. 'Foul-mouthed' In March, lead prosecutor Laurent Guy recommended an 18-month suspended jail sentence for Depardieu, arguing that the assaults reported by the two women were 'intentional'. He said Depardieu should also be ordered to undergo psychological treatment, and be added to France's sex offender registry. Amelie said that the actor had behaved like a 'wild animal' on set in 2021. Depardieu had boasted he could 'give women an orgasm without touching them', she said. She also said Depardieu made 'obscene remarks' and suggestions. The actor has denied sexually assaulting the women. 'I'm vulgar, rude, foul-mouthed, I'll accept that,' he told the court, but he added: 'I don't touch.' 'I adore women and femininity,' he also said, while describing the #MeToo movement as a 'reign of terror'. Throughout the trial, Depardieu has been supported by his daughter Roxane, his ex-partner Karine Silla and actor Vincent Perez. Long-time friend Ardant, 76, spoke for him. 'I have never witnessed anything that I found shocking,' she told the court. 'I know that you can say no to Gerard.' 'Sexism and misogyny' Lawyers for the two plaintiffs complained of the tension in the courtroom and denounced the approach of Depardieu's defense team. The actor's lawyer Jeremie Assous called the two women 'liars' and 'hysterical'. They were working for the cause of 'rabid feminism', he argued. Claude Vincent, the assistant director's lawyer, said: 'What we witnessed was not a defense strategy' but 'an apology for sexism'. In an open letter, nearly 200 French lawyers urged the judiciary to fight what they called courtroom sexism. Depardieu's lawyer had 'used sexism and misogyny to his heart's delight' to discredit the plaintiffs and their legal team, they said. Depardieu has also been indicted in another case following a rape complaint filed by actor Charlotte Arnould, 29. Prosecutors have requested a trial. In April, French MPs criticized 'endemic' abuse in the entertainment industry after a six-month inquiry. Depardieu became a star in France from the 1980s with roles in 'The Last Metro', 'Police' and 'Cyrano de Bergerac', before Peter Weir's 'Green Card' made him a Hollywood celebrity. He later acted in global productions including Kenneth Branagh's 'Hamlet', Ang Lee's 'Life of Pi' and Netflix's 'Marseille' series. In 1990 he won the Best Actor award at the Cannes festival for his performance in 'Cyrano de Bergerac'. — AFP
