Gérard Depardieu Stands Trial for Allegedly Sexually Assaulting 2 Women on Film Set

Actor Gérard Depardieu is on trial in France for allegedly sexually assaulting two women on a movie set in 2021.

The legendary French actor is accused of groping a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant director while he was filming the 2021 movie, Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters), the Associated Press reports.

Over the years, the 76-year-old actor has faced other allegations of sexual assault but has steadfastly maintained his innocence. These are the first allegations for which he has faced trial, Reuters and NBC News report.

The women who are accusing him of sexually assaulting them in 2021 have not been publicly identified.

The actor’s lawyer said his client continues to deny any wrongdoing.

“We will be able to show in an impartial, objective and incontestable manner that all of the accusations are lies,” his attorney, Jérémie Assous, told journalists outside the courtroom, the AP reports.

“The truth will be obvious and the truth is on our side,” he said.

According to prosecutors, Depardieu allegedly held the 54-year-old woman with his legs, groping her waist and breasts as witnesses looked on, the AP reports.

Depardieu allegedly used obscene language with her and was pulled away from her by bodyguards, according to the AP. The other woman said the actor allegedly groped her on the set and in the street.

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Over the years, more than 20 women have accused Depardieu of sexual assault or sexual misconduct.

He was being investigated for rape when these alleged assaults took place, according to the AP. 

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.