French actor Gérard Depardieu drops appeal against sexual assault conviction?
What's the story
French actor Gérard Depardieu has reportedly withdrawn his appeal against a court's ruling that convicted him of sexually assaulting two women on a film set. The withdrawal comes after a court handed the 77-year-old an 18-month suspended sentence and ordered him to register as a sex offender last year. This marks a significant downfall for an actor who had established himself as a French cinema legend.
Legal implications
'Secondary victimization' penalty for Depardieu
The withdrawal of the appeal means that the original ruling is now final. This includes an additional penalty for "secondary victimization" due to how his defense team treated the two women involved in the case, per AFP.
The trial was set to begin on Monday but has now been effectively canceled with this development.
Case details
Charges related to sexual assault during 'Les Volets Verts' filming
The charges against Depardieu were related to sexual assault during the filming of Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters) in 2021. The plaintiffs in this case were a set dresser, known only as Amelie, and an assistant director.
Depardieu has denied the allegations.
He is also facing a separate indictment following a rape complaint by actor Charlotte Arnould, 30.
Ongoing cases
Separate indictment over rape complaint
Depardieu has denied allegations leveled by Arnould as well and has appealed against his referral to the criminal court. A decision on this appeal is expected on November 26.
For the unversed, Depardieu is one of France's most prolific actors with over 200 film and television credits to his name.
He has also been the biggest celebrity to be implicated in the country's #MeToo movement.