Asger Risom
Court finds actor guilty of assaulting two women on set
The global film industry has often found itself at the center of the #MeToo movement, with high-profile names facing serious allegations and trials. France, known for its rich cinematic history, has now seen one of its most famous actors sentenced in a closely watched case that has sparked debate on accountability and legal responsibility in the arts.
Court Ruling and Charges
A Paris court sentenced a renowned French actor to 18 months of suspended prison time on Tuesday for the sexual assault of two women during a 2021 film shoot. The actor, aged 76, was not present at the sentencing and was represented by his lawyer. According to AFP, cited by Digi24, he was found guilty of assaulting Amélie, 54, a set designer, and Sarah (a pseudonym), 34, an assistant director, during the filming of Les Volets Verts by Jean Becker.
Additional Penalties
Along with the suspended sentence, the court imposed a two-year ban on certain professional activities and ordered the actor’s registration in the national sex offender registry, as recommended by the prosecutor.
The trial marked a milestone for France’s legal handling of workplace sexual misconduct. The prosecution argued the assaults were deliberate, requesting a three-year suspended sentence and a €20,000 fine.
Actor’s Defense
The actor has consistently denied the allegations. In court, he stated, “I don’t see why I would enjoy groping a woman, her bottom, her breasts. I am not the kind of man who hits on women in the subway.” However, he did acknowledge touching Amélie, explaining it as an attempt to “make her life difficult” and claimed he held onto her to avoid falling—though he had not disclosed this during the investigation.
The actor also stated he was unclear on what exactly constitutes sexual assault under the law.