French cinema legend Gérard Depardieu is once again under the spotlight but this time not for his performances on screen. The 76-year-old actor has been summoned to stand trial in Paris over allegations of rape and sexual assault made by actress Charlotte Arnould.
For Arnould, this moment represents a turning point. Taking to Instagram after the judge’s indictment order, she described the decision as “a form of judicial truth,” adding that she felt both relieved and overwhelmed by the scale of it. Her lawyer, Carine Durrieu-Diebolt, echoed this sentiment, calling the ruling a “moment of judicial truth in this case.”
The case dates back to 2018, when prosecutors first launched an investigation after Arnould accused Depardieu of raping her at his Paris home. Since then, the process has been long and emotionally draining, marked by delays and widespread media attention. Depardieu, who has consistently denied wrongdoing, now faces a trial that could reshape not only his career but also his legacy.
This is not the first time Depardieu has faced accusations of misconduct. Just last year, he was convicted of sexually assaulting two women on the set of the 2021 film Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters). He received an 18-month suspended prison sentence and was added to the national sex offender registry. That conviction already shook his status as one of France’s most celebrated actors, but the new trial marks an even more serious chapter.
For decades, Depardieu has been a towering figure in European cinema, starring in over 250 films and winning international acclaim. His 1991 performance in Cyrano de Bergerac earned him an Oscar nomination and cemented his place as a household name. To many, he was the face of French cinema abroad. Yet, in recent years, the conversation around him has shifted from artistic brilliance to allegations of abuse.
More than 20 women have publicly accused Depardieu of misconduct in recent years, though many cases were dropped due to lack of evidence or expired statutes of limitations. Still, the accumulation of stories paints a troubling picture of a star whose behavior may have long gone unchecked in an industry often criticized for protecting powerful men.
Arnould’s determination to push her case forward has reignited discussions about justice, accountability, and the often-grueling path victims face when challenging celebrities in court. Her statement after the indictment suggests both relief and resilience: “The acts of rape and sexual assault have been acknowledged. Now, we await the next steps.”
For Depardieu, the trial is likely to be a defining moment. If found guilty, his legacy as one of France’s greatest actors will be permanently overshadowed by his crimes. If acquitted, the questions around power, gender, and accountability in the film industry will not disappear.
Either way, the trial will be closely watched, not only in France but worldwide. It is a story that transcends cinema, touching on broader issues of justice, celebrity, and the courage it takes for survivors to speak out.
