Fez – The 75-year-old screen icon is accused of raping and sexually assaulting Arnould twice in his Paris residence during the summer of 2018.
Arnould, who is the daughter of a longtime friend of the actor, reportedly visited Depardieu seeking acting advice. A French judge officially referred the case to a criminal court on Tuesday, according to local media reports.
France’s criminal court, the highest judicial level reserved for severe offenses, will hear the case. If convicted, Depardieu could face a sentence exceeding five years. The decision follows seven years of legal developments since Arnould initially filed her complaint.
The upcoming trial marks a significant chapter in a broader wave of allegations against the actor. In April 2025, a Paris court convicted Depardieu of sexual assault against two women during the 2021 filming of “The Green Shutters,” sentencing him to an 18-month suspended sentence.
Depardieu has faced public accusations of sexual misconduct from at least 20 women, with claims dating back several decades. Many of these came to light only in recent years amid France’s #MeToo movement, which has sparked renewed scrutiny of powerful men in the cultural and political elite.
Despite mounting allegations, Depardieu has denied all claims of wrongdoing. His legal team has consistently argued that the charges lack sufficient evidence and are the result of reputational damage driven by media attention.
The actor’s legal woes have drawn attention beyond France. Known internationally for roles in “Cyrano de Bergerac” and “Green Card,” Depardieu’s influence once extended across Europe and into North Africa, including Morocco, where French cinema holds notable cultural sway. His case now joins a global reckoning in the arts over abuse, power, and accountability.
