Depardieu Trial Highlights Slow Path to Confronting Abuse in French Film Industry, French Actress Says

Renowned French actress Anouk Grinberg, who has known Gérard Depardieu for over three decades, reflects on the upcoming sexual assault trial against the veteran actor, seeing it as a pivotal moment in the fight against abuse in the French film industry, The Associated Press reports.

Grinberg, who appeared with Depardieu in several films including “The Green Shutters,” believes the trial reflects a growing awareness of the issue, particularly within the industry, which has long been plagued by silence and a culture of impunity.

“For several years, I witnessed this … without any reaction, like everyone else,” she told the news agency. “Because I was overwhelmed by the violence and also because at the time, we didn’t think of it as violence.”

Grinberg, who has spoken out against the abuse she witnessed firsthand on set, credits the #MeToo movement and the bravery of women coming forward for the change in attitude.

The trial against Depardieu, which is scheduled for March after being postponed due to his health concerns, centers on alleged sexual assault against a production designer and a director’s assistant on the set of “The Green Shutters” in 2021. Depardieu denies the accusations.

In a separate case, Depardieu is accused of two rapes allegedly committed in August 2018 against actress Charlotte Arnould. A magistrate is yet to decide whether to send that case to trial.

Grinberg believes the Depardieu trial is a significant step forward, particularly because the alleged victims are not high-profile figures.

This sentiment echoes the call for change made by other French actors, including Judith Godrèche, who urged the industry to confront its history of sexual abuse, and Adèle Haenel, who left the industry after denouncing its complacency toward sexual aggressors.