France: 18 months on probation for Depardieu: An too mild judgment?

The judgment has been made: Gérard Depardieu is guilty – but he remains in freedom. Because of sexual attacks, the actor receives 18 months in prison on probation. For many it is an overdue guilty verdict. But is this a just punishment or a judgment that is too mild? And what’s going on for Depardieu?

The court largely followed the public prosecutor’s request. The process dealt with sexual harassment on the film set of “Les Volets Verts” (the green shutters) by director Jean Becker in 2021. An outfitter and a director’s assistant accused Depardieu of having touched her immoral.

As early as March, a spokeswoman for a French women’s rights organization warned: “18 months without consequences – that can hardly be endured for those affected.” Now exactly this sentence has been imposed. There is also talk of circles of the #Metoo movement, which wants to attract internationally to the extent of sexual assaults internationally. With its claim, the public prosecutor remained significantly below the possible maximum penalty of five years in prison.

But for at least one of the plaintiffs, the judgment seems to be an important sign: “I am very moved, I am very satisfied with the decision – for me it is a victory, really, and a great step forward,” said one of the two affected women after the judgment of the Radio. “We are making progress, we are making progress,” she said. “I have the feeling that justice was spoken.”

Her lawyer was also relieved: “This is the victory of two women – but also the victory of all women who are behind this process.”

A judgment that raises questions

Depardieu points out all allegations – there was only a touch on the hip, he emphasized, but without any sexual intent. But the court saw it differently: In addition to the suspended sentence, the actor should also be included in the register for sex offenders. Depardieu stayed away from the verdict. His lawyer announced the same day.

In fact, the judgment has a comparatively mild effect: 18 months in prison, fully exposed to probation. For comparison: In the case of the French director Nicolas Bedos, to whom two attacks were accused of under the influence of alcohol, the same Paris court imposed a prison sentence of one year in autumn 2024 – six months without probation.

The now 76 -year -old Depardieu – the once celebrated film hero (“Cyrano von Bergerac”, “Asterix and Obelix”) – is now a highly controversial figure due to numerous accusations and critical statements in France. But despite the controversy around his person, he takes on a leading role again – in the new film “Elle Regardait Sans Plus Rien Voir” (she saw without seeing anything) of his long -time friend Fanny Ardant.

The film is currently being shot in Portugal – possibly also the reason why Depardieu was not personally present when the judgment was pronounced. “The shooting is going well, we are very satisfied,” said French media Ana Pinhão Moura from the independent Portuguese production company APM. It is Ardant’s fourth directorial work. Depardieu already played the leading role in two of her earlier films.

Depardieu receives sharp criticism for his role in Ardant’s new film. Charlotte Arnoild was particularly outraged, which accuses the actor of rape in 2018. On Facebook she wrote to Ardant: “I don’t understand her.” And further: “A process has just taken place. What does that mean for you – and how much do you feel about all of this?”

An end – or none?

Numerous women have accused Depardieu in recent years sexual assault – partly anonymous, partly public. Another procedure could be imminent because of the allegations of Arnoild. It is still uncertain whether this happens. One thing is certain: the 76-year-old remains in the sight of the judiciary-and at the center of a continuing debate about abuse of power and sexual violence in cultural business.