French cinema star Gerard Depardieu has withdrawn his appeal against a conviction for sexually assaulting two women on a film set, potentially making his 18-month suspended sentence final.
According to Hindustan Times, a source close to the case told AFP on Friday that the 77-year-old actor had decided to abandon his appeal ahead of a hearing scheduled for Monday.
The decision would end the appeal process over his conviction in the case, which dates back to the 2021 filming of Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters), directed by Jean Becker. Depardieu received the sentence in May 2025 after the court found him guilty of sexually assaulting two women working on the film.
The court also imposed an additional penalty for what it described as “secondary victimisation”, citing the defence team’s treatment of the two complainants during the proceedings. The women included a set dresser, identified only as Amelie, and an assistant director.
Depardieu has consistently denied the allegations. His appeal trial was due to begin on Monday, November 16. His withdrawal is expected to make the original ruling final once the court formally accepts it.
The actor faces a separate legal case following a rape complaint by actress Charlotte Arnould, 30. He has also challenged the decision to send that case to a criminal court. The appeal court is expected to deliver its decision on November 26. Depardieu denies the allegations.
With more than 200 film and television credits, Depardieu remains one of the most recognisable figures in French cinema. However, his legal troubles have made him the highest-profile personality caught up in France’s response to the #MeToo movement.
The May 2025 verdict came on the opening day of the Cannes Film Festival, France’s most prestigious cinema event. Depardieu had won the festival’s Best Actor award in 1990.
