A woman who accused French actor Gerard Depardieu of sexual harassment has told a major court hearing in Paris that he repeatedly touched her buttocks and breasts on three separate occasions on a film set.
Depardieu, 76, is accused of sexually assaulting a 54-year-old set designer and a 34-year-old assistant while filming Green Shutters in 2021.
He denies all allegations of sexual assault.
The third day of the Paris trial was devoted to testimony from a young plaintiff who said Depardieu first touched her buttocks when they were briefly alone backstage.
“All of a sudden he put his hand on my butt,” she said, adding that she was “shocked,” “stunned,” and didn't say a word.
According to her, during the second incident, Depardieu suddenly put both hands on her chest: “I said no, I was scared.”
She also shared that she told Depardieu “no” during the third such incident.
The plaintiff said she reported the incident to her immediate supervisor, who then notified others responsible for the film's production, which angered the actor.
At a court hearing on Wednesday, Depardieu repeatedly denied the charges, saying: “I'm not like that.”
“I think she was perhaps wary because of my reputation as a vulgar, rude, ill-mannered person,” Depardieu said.
“But I don’t limit myself to just that.
“I still respect people.”
The actor also told the court that he is almost always accompanied on set by assistants, including a security guard, and suggested that he is rarely alone with film industry workers.
On Tuesday, Depardieu admitted using vulgar and sexualised language in a conversation with a decorator who accused him of sexual assault.
He said he grabbed her hips during an argument but denied his actions were sexual in nature.
None of the women agreed to have their names revealed in the case.
The four-day trial is set to continue on Thursday, with a verdict expected later.
If found guilty, the actor could face up to five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros ($81,000).
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
