Depardieu appeared alongside his legal counsel, confronting accusations laid against him by a set decorator named Amélie regarding incidents on the set of “Les Volets Verts,” a film produced in 2022. Testifying, he admitted to having grabbed Amélie by the hips but insisted this act was meant to prevent her from slipping and not indicative of any malicious intent. He faces potential consequences that include five years in prison and hefty fines if found guilty.

The allegations against the 76-year-old actor intensified following the emergence of the #MeToo movement in France, prompting several women to voice their grievances. Depardieu, known for his candid persona and expansive filmography, expressed frustration about how the campaign has negatively impacted his personal and professional reputation, stating, “It’s been three years since I’ve worked.”

Amélie, on the other hand, recounted a starkly different experience, recalling Depardieu's behaviors on set, which included boisterous and inappropriate comments. As the case progresses, it shines a light on the complex dynamics of gender relations in the entertainment industry in France and underlines the challenges of addressing sexual misconduct allegations within a celebrity-driven culture.