French actor Gérard Depardieu made a shocking confession while on the witness stand at his sexual assault trial in Paris. The 76-year-old star admitted to being a “disgusting slob” and using vulgar language, as well as grabbing the hips of his accuser. Despite these admissions, Depardieu vehemently denied being a sexual predator.
Depardieu is facing allegations of groping a 34-year-old assistant and a 54-year-old set dresser while filming the movie “Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters)” in 2024. During his testimony, he expressed understanding towards his accusers’ feelings of being upset over his actions. He acknowledged that his behavior was inappropriate and stated, “I understand perfectly if she’s a bit upset. I don’t have to talk like that, get angry like that, voilà.”
The actor insisted that his actions were a form of aggression but not of a sexual nature. He vehemently denied the accusations of groping, saying, “I don’t touch women’s butts.” Depardieu went on to declare, “I don’t see why I’d want to grope a woman. I’m not someone who rubs himself against others on the subway.”
During the trial, the set dresser recounted a harrowing experience where Depardieu allegedly trapped her, grabbed her hips, and proceeded to touch her inappropriately. She described feeling terrified and helpless in the situation, claiming that the actor appeared to take pleasure in frightening her.
In response to the set dresser’s allegations, Depardieu maintained that he only grabbed her hips to prevent slipping. This incident is not the first time the actor has faced accusations of inappropriate behavior, with over 20 women coming forward with similar claims. However, this trial marks the first time Depardieu is facing legal consequences for his actions. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to five years in prison and face a hefty fine of $81,000.
The trial continues to unfold as both sides present their arguments and evidence in the courtroom. Depardieu’s reputation and career hang in the balance as the outcome of the trial remains uncertain.