Gérard Depardieu is on trial for the first time on allegations of harassment

French film icon Gérard Depardieu has to go to court for the first time on suspicion of sexually harassing two women. Both cases are said to have occurred in 2021 while filming the film “Les volets verts” (The Green Shutters) by director Jean Becker. According to the Paris public prosecutor’s office, if he is found guilty, the actor could face penalties of up to five years in prison and an additional fine of 75,000 euros. The verdict is due to be handed down on Monday.

Depardieu (“Cyrano of Bergerac”, “Asterix and Obelix”) is said to be present at the trial. His new lawyer, Jérémie Assous, told radio station France Info that the performer “intends” to appear in court.

According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, the two women – a decorator and an assistant to the director – accuse the actor of groping their breasts and buttocks, among other things.

In 2018, actress Charlotte Arnould sued him. She claims that Depardieu raped and sexually abused her in his apartment. Arnould was 22 years old at the time. The judiciary has been investigating the matter since 2020. Depardieu denied the allegations.

Depardieu is one of the most famous French actors. But in recent years, a dozen women have come forward to accuse him of alleged sexual assault. Due to the series of allegations, some of which were made anonymously against the former star and not all of which ended up on the desk of investigators, as well as misogynistic comments, he is now controversial in France.