France’s biggest movie star just fell from grace. Gérard Depardieu—the legendary actor once praised by President Macron as someone who “makes France proud”—has been convicted of sexual assault, sending shockwaves through the French entertainment world and marking a major turning point for France’s long-stalled #MeToo movement.

Court Delivers Stunning Verdict

A Paris court found Depardieu guilty of sexually assaulting two women on the set of the 2021 film Les Volets Verts. The 75-year-old actor was sentenced to an 18-month suspended prison term and will now appear on France’s national sex offender registry.

Judge Thierry Donard didn’t mince words. He slammed Depardieu’s behavior, stating the actor “does not seem to have grasped either the concept of consent or the traumatic consequences of his actions.” Depardieu’s legal team insists he’s innocent and plans to appeal the conviction.

A court in Paris found French actor Gerard Depardieu guilty of sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021 and handed him an 18-month suspended prison sentence https://t.co/Lw5XsQcOPb pic.twitter.com/ZEPXGkcL98

— Reuters (@Reuters) May 13, 2025

France’s Culture of Celebrity Shields Collapses

For decades, Depardieu was untouchable—a living symbol of French cinema with an Oscar nomination and dozens of high-profile roles. But the conviction pierces France’s once-cozy relationship between fame and impunity, especially in the film industry.

The ruling comes at a symbolic moment, coinciding with the opening of the Cannes Film Festival, and igniting deep divisions. While some in French cinema still defend Depardieu—Vincent Perez and Fanny Ardant among them—others say this is long-overdue justice.

On Tuesday, French movie star Gérard #Depardieu was found guilty of sexual assault on film set, and given an 18-month suspended prison sentence.@_51percent‘s host @AnnetteF24 explains what it says about attitudes towards sexual assault in France pic.twitter.com/trRo8u4Nok

— FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) May 13, 2025

A Watershed for #MeToo in France

France has lagged behind other Western nations when it comes to addressing sexual misconduct in the workplace. For years, concerns about harassment were dismissed as overreactions. This case changes the conversation.

More than 20 women have accused Depardieu of misconduct. This conviction marks the first legal consequence he’s faced, even as a separate rape investigation involving actor Charlotte Arnould is still ongoing.

This isn’t just about one man—it’s a signal to France’s powerful that celebrity status no longer guarantees immunity. The nation may finally be catching up to a global movement that demands justice—no matter how famous the accused.

Sources:

French actor Gérard Depardieu convicted of sexual assault and given 18-month suspended sentence

#MeToo, French Style: Film Star Gerard Depardieu Convicted of Sexual Assault, Gets Suspended Prison Sentence | The Gateway Pundit | by Paul Serran