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French Film Icon Gérard Depardieu to Stand Trial for Rape Allegations
Renowned French actor Gérard Depardieu, 76, will face criminal trial for the alleged rape of actress Charlotte Arnould in 2018. The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed the case has been referred to the criminal court, where Depardieu could potentially face up to 20 years imprisonment if convicted.
Seven-Year Legal Battle Reaches Critical Stage
The allegations stem from incidents that allegedly occurred at Depardieu's Paris residence in August 2018. Arnould, who was 22 at the time, claims the actor sexually assaulted her twice during what was supposed to be a professional mentoring session. Depardieu had been a family friend and mentor to the young actress.
Previous Conviction and Ongoing Legal Challenges
This development comes just months after Depardieu received an 18-month suspended sentence in May 2025 for sexual assault against two other women. That conviction is currently under appeal. The Arnould case represents a separate legal proceeding that has been under investigation for several years.
Victim's Emotional Response
Arnould expressed relief at the news, telling French media: "After seven years of nightmare and hell, this prosecution represents a form of legal vindication. It's difficult to comprehend how significant this moment is for me." Her legal team emphasized that the decision to proceed with trial refutes what they called "false accusations" circulated in some media outlets against Arnould.
Depardieu's Defense Position
In a 2023 open letter to French newspaper Le Figaro, Depardieu acknowledged sexual contact with Arnould but maintained it was consensual, stating there was never "any constraint, violence or protest." The initial complaint was dismissed by French authorities due to lack of evidence, prompting Arnould to pursue the case through civil court proceedings to force a criminal investigation.
Pattern of Allegations Emerges
Depardieu faces accusations from more than twenty women alleging various forms of sexual misconduct spanning decades. Despite his status as one of France's most celebrated actors with over 250 film credits including "Cyrano de Bergerac" and "Green Card," the mounting allegations have significantly damaged his reputation internationally.
Cultural Divide in France
The case has exposed deep divisions within French cultural circles. In 2023, sixty prominent French cultural figures signed an open letter defending Depardieu, while President Emmanuel Macron suggested the actor was victim of a "witch hunt." This trial will test France's evolving approach to addressing sexual violence allegations within its entertainment industry.
