She told the court that the actor’s calm and co-operative attitude during the trial bore no resemblance to his behaviour at work.
The presiding judge said two witnesses corroborated her account, while Depardieu had been contradictory in his accounts.
Gerard Depardieu during the press conference for the film Saint Amour – one of dozens of films to feature the actor.Credit: AP
Denying sexual assault, Depardieu had argued that he did not consider placing a hand on a person’s buttocks to be sexual assault and that some women were too easily shocked.
He acknowledged that he had used vulgar and sexualised language on the film set and that he grabbed the set dresser’s hips during an argument, but he denied that his behaviour was sexual.
Carine Durrieu-Diebolt, the set dresser’s lawyer, said the verdict was a victory for all Depardieu’s victims. “Today we hope to see the end of impunity for an artist in the world of cinema,” she said.
“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.”
The trial has laid bare a generational divide in France over sexism, with some prominent older actresses defending him.
Brigitte Bardot, 90, told broadcaster BFM TV on Monday that “those who have talent and grope a girl get thrown into the gutter”.
Actors Vincent Perez and Fanny Ardant were among those who took seats on Depardieu’s side of the courtroom.
The #MeToo protest movement over sexual violence has struggled to gain the same traction in France as in the United States, though there are signs that social attitudes towards sexual assault may be changing.
Depardieu, 76, didn’t attend the sentencing hearing in Paris. His lawyer said he would appeal against the decision.
The actor has faced a growing number of sexual assault allegations in recent years. He has consistently denied all wrongdoing.
He may have to face other legal proceedings soon. In 2018, actor Charlotte Arnould accused him of raping her at his home. That case is still active, and in August 2024 prosecutors requested that it go to trial.
If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114, or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.
