French film star Gérard Depardieu found guilty in sexual assault trial

French actor Gérard Depardieu has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two women. He received an 18-month suspended jail term for his actions on a film set in Paris.

The 76-year-old was accused of groping the women during filming in 2021. Depardieu denied the allegations, and his lawyer announced plans to appeal.

A Paris court determined that one woman, Amélie, provided consistent testimony. In contrast, the actor's accounts changed over time. Amélie expressed her satisfaction with the verdict, calling it "a victory."

Depardieu was also convicted of assaulting another woman, an assistant director named Sarah. She did not use her real name during the trial.

The actor was absent from court as he worked on a film set in the Azores. His lawyer stated they would appeal the decision.

Carine Durrieu-Diebolt represented both women and hoped this verdict ended impunity for artists in film. She emphasized that this victory was significant for all women affected by similar cases.

The judge believed the women's testimonies were credible. They described how Depardieu touched them intimately and used lewd language.

He placed Depardieu on a sex offender list and ordered him to pay €1,000 (£840) each to Amélie and Sarah for their suffering during the trial.

Depardieu's lawyer accused the women of lying under oath. The assaults occurred in September 2021 while filming "Les Volets Verts" (The Green Shutters).

This trial marked Depardieu's first sexual assault charges. Other women have made similar allegations against him, including a potential rape case that may go to trial later.

Afterward, he joined friend Fanny Ardant for filming in the Azores. Prosecutor Laurent Guy stated that one can be a great actor yet still commit crimes.

Claude Vincent, representing one plaintiff, called Depardieu a "misogynist." His lawyer demanded an acquittal and criticized the plaintiffs' legal team as overly militant.

Amélie testified about an incident where Depardieu held her by her hips after an argument. The second woman described being touched on three occasions through her clothing but chose to remain anonymous.

Depardieu claimed any contact might have been accidental or due to balance issues. He expressed frustration at being portrayed negatively due to lies and insults.

He remarked that experiencing a trial felt surreal, like science fiction but real life instead.

During hearings, he thanked both prosecution and defense teams for insights into court operations. He noted he hadn't acted since allegations surfaced three years ago but recently began working again with Ardant on a new film project.

Ardant defended him during the trial, describing him as both "monster" and "saint." Veteran actress Brigitte Bardot also supported him, criticizing how talented individuals face severe consequences for minor offenses against women.