Gérard Deparu to Stand Trial in Paris for and ual Assault Charges

French actor Gérard Deparu is set to stand trial in Paris following allegations of and ual assault made by actress Charlotte Arnould. The incidents, which allegedly occurred in August 2018 at Deparu’s residence when Arnould was 22 and he was 69, have led to significant legal proceedings. Now 29, Arnould expressed relief at the court’s decision to proceed, calling it a moment of “judicial truth.”

Although a trial date has yet to be elished, prosecutors had pushed for the case to move forward, and Arnould’s lawyer has lauded this development.

Deparu, 76, has consistently denied these allegations. Earlier in 2023, he was convicted for ually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021, receiving an 18-month suspended sentence and being added to the national offender registry. Over 20 women have accused him of various forms of misconduct, but most cases were dismissed due to insufficient evidence or expired statutes of limitations.

A prominent figure in French cinema, Deparu’s recent actions—including inappropriate behavior during a 2018 trip to North Korea—have further tarnished his reputation. The upcoming trial is regarded as a critical moment for accountability in the film industry, particularly in the context of the ongoing #MeToo movement.

The trial not only signifies a legal battle for Deparu but also reflects broader societal discussions regarding issues of ual misconduct and power dynamics in the film industry in France.