Depardieu, a prominent figure in French cinema, had consistently denied the allegations against him. However, judge Thierry Donard deemed his explanations unconvincing. One of the victims, Amelie K, a set decorator, testified that Depardieu had groped her and made explicit sexual remarks while trapping her between his legs.
“He touched every part of my body, including my breasts,” she recounted. “I was scared, and he was laughing.”
The presiding judge noted that two witnesses supported Amelie K’s testimony, highlighting inconsistencies in Depardieu’s own version of events. The #MeToo movement, which aims to address sexual violence, has faced challenges in France compared to the United States. Nevertheless, evolving social attitudes suggest a shift in how sexual assault is perceived.
