Historic Moment for #MeToo in France

It was a significant day for the #MeToo movement in France when prominent film star Gérard Depardieu was added to the Sex Offender Registry following his conviction for sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021.

“This sends a strong message to all men in power, making it clear that they, too, can face court and be held accountable,” remarked Catherine Le Maguerez, representing the European Association for Violence against Women in the Workplace (AVFT) during the trial. “The implication is clear: be cautious, your previous impunity has ended.”

Depardieu, 76, who has starred in over 200 films and TV series, has long epitomized the notion of French creative genius. This has posed a challenge for the #MeToo movement in France over the years. His acting prowess, along with his international prominence, was, perhaps unwittingly, shielded by a film industry that has historically been slow to take accusations of abuse seriously.

“For the first time, we are receiving a powerful signal indicating that fame does not exempt someone from the laws against violence toward women,” said Green MP Sandrine Rousseau, who recently co-authored a parliamentary report labeling sexual violence as endemic in the French entertainment sector. She emphasized that more action is needed moving forward.

The judge stated that Depardieu had sexually assaulted the two women while filming “Les Volets Verts” (The Green Shotters). In response to their allegations, Depardieu referred to the women as “snitches” for speaking out.

Feminists highlighted that a current priority should be addressing sexism within the judicial system itself. Depardieu’s trial illustrated how French courts can often be unsupportive to survivors of sexual violence. This was especially evident in the case of Gisèle Pelicot, who described feeling “humiliated” during a trial involving 51 men after being drugged by her husband. During her plea, her lawyer questioned whether she was truly intoxicated or merely pretending to sleep, emphasizing the often degrading treatment women face.

In the Depardieu trial, the judge made a notable decision: he ordered Depardieu’s attorney, Jeremy Assous, to compensate for “secondary damages” incurred by the two women due to the harshness they experienced in court. One of the women, involved as a set decorator, expressed that being questioned in defense of Depardieu felt like “hell.” Assous cast doubt on her credibility, labeling her a liar and referring to the female lawyer as “awful and stupid.”

Cerryline Peak, from the feminist group Ocese le Feminism, remarked that the court’s ruling on the treatment of Depardieu’s accusers could represent a turning point for France. “The defense presented was absolutely shocking, filled with excessive and sexist comments. When a woman files a complaint, she is met with abuse at every stage—from the initial investigation to the courtroom, where tactics are employed to destabilize her,” she stated.

Reports of Depardieu’s actions had circulated for years, but he received strong backing from significant figures in French culture and politics. In 2023, 50 notable personalities, including actress Charlotte Rampling and singer Carla Bruni, signed a petition advocating that Depardieu should not be canceled.

Notably, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, has been one of Depardieu’s staunchest defenders. Macron, who assumed office in 2017 as the #MeToo movement gained traction globally, has promised to combat violence against women and girls. Yet in 2023, amid a formal investigation into a separate rape case and controversy surrounding sexist comments unveiled in a documentary, he controversially defended Depardieu, claiming, “He makes us proud.” This statement arose when questions emerged about revoking a state award given to the actor. Macron has not yet issued a comment regarding Depardieu’s convictions.

French Minister of Equality Aurore Bergé stated after the verdict that “no level of talent warrants immunity from the law.”

Despite denying the charges and seeking his acquittal, Depardieu received a suspended sentence of 18 months. Earlier this year, another filmmaker, Christophe Ruggia, was convicted of sexually assaulting actor Adèle Haenel when she was a minor, subsequently receiving a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended and an electronic monitoring device follow-up.

Legal cases in France can take time, and the Paris Prosecutor’s Office has requested that Depardieu be tried for separate allegations of rape and sexual assault involving actor Charlotte Arnaud, although no court dates have been set. Depardieu has denied these claims. Additionally, TV presenter Patrick Poivre d’Arvor is under formal investigation for alleged rape following testimonies from multiple women, marking one of the largest #MeToo incidents in France; he also denies the allegations.

Emmanuel Dansuru, president of the Metoomedia association, which includes a woman who has filed complaints against D’Arvor, attended Depardieu’s trial. She called for a “complete overhaul” of the French legal system, suggesting a specialized court to handle cases involving sexual and gender-based violence.

Dansuru emphasized the importance of addressing the issue beyond just the “1% of #MeToo,” noting that the French movement encompasses various sectors and social classes, including those in lower-income jobs.

“The voices of women in France, including those of Depardieu’s victims, continue to impact their careers,” Dansuru said. “France cannot afford to lag behind on this matters, culturally or politically. Progress cannot mean going backward.”