The veteran star will stand trial in Paris over 2018 rape allegations amid mounting legal troubles and public scrutiny.

Indictment for 2018 Rape Allegations

September 2, 2025: Veteran French actor Gérard Depardieu has been formally ordered to stand trial by a Paris criminal court in connection with a rape accusation made by actress Charlotte Arnould. Arnould, who accused Depardieu of rape at his home in 2018, publicly expressed relief at the indictment, calling it a pivotal moment of “judicial truth.”

Investigative magistrates had placed Depardieu under formal investigation in 2022; Arnould, now 29, revealed herself as the accuser, citing the weight of silence as unbearable.

Legal Background and Previous Conviction

Earlier this year, in May 2025, Depardieu was convicted of sexually assaulting two women on the set of Les Volets Verts. He received an 18-month suspended prison sentence and was added to France’s national sex offender registry.

The ongoing accumulation of legal actions stems from misconduct allegations by over 20 women, though many other claims were not pursued due to lack of evidence or expired limitations.

Why This Matters

A High-Profile Trial Continues
Depardieu remains one of France’s most iconic actors, with a career spanning more than two decades and an Oscar nomination to his name. His legal troubles now involve separate proceedings on charges of rape, underscoring the severity and scope of the allegations.

#MeToo in French Cinema
His conviction earlier in 2025 was hailed as a landmark case for the French #MeToo movement, breaking the long-standing culture of impunity toward powerful men in the arts. The upcoming trial for rape further amplifies the judicial scrutiny facing high-profile figures.

Public Reaction and Symbolism
The legal developments have stirred widespread public debate around consent, accountability, and the responsibility of cultural icons. Arnould’s statement—calling the indictment a restoration of “judicial truth”—reflects broader demands for transparency and justice.

Trial Timeline & Outlook

2018: Charlotte Arnould makes the initial rape accusation.

2020: The case is reopened.

2022: Depardieu is placed under formal investigation.

May 2025: Depardieu is convicted in the sexual assault case on the film set.

September 2, 2025: The rape trial is officially ordered to proceed.

Depardieu continues to deny the allegations in this new case. As of now, formal statements from the Paris prosecutor’s office or either legal team have not been released.

Conclusion

Gérard Depardieu’s legal saga marks a critical juncture for French cultural institutions and legal systems. As the rape trial approaches, it carries implications for how society treats allegations of sexual violence—especially when the accused is a celebrated figure. The court’s forthcoming decisions may set lasting precedent for how such cases are handled in France’s entertainment industry.