French cinema icon Gerard Depardieu is confronting serious legal battles as he faces an 18-month suspended prison sentence amid allegations of sexual assault involving two women during the filming of "The Green Shutters" in 2021. This gripping trial, which spanned four days, saw the veteran actor firmly deny all allegations against him.

Prosecutors are pushing for a suspended sentence that includes a hefty fine of €20,000, mandatory psychological treatment, and registration in the sex offenders database. The charges stem from accusations made by a set decorator and an assistant director who worked on the film. Should these allegations be upheld, Depardieu could face a prison term of up to five years, coupled with fines that could soar to €75,000.

Details surrounding the accusations are troubling. One of the women, an assistant director, claimed that Depardieu inappropriately touched her on several occasions, including groping her in public and on set. In response, Depardieu countered that any physical contact was accidental, claiming, “I may have grazed it with my back in the corridor, but I didn’t touch (her buttocks).”

The set decorator, on the other hand, described a more aggressive encounter, alleging that during filming, Depardieu made several lewd comments before physically grabbing her, pulling her toward him, and making unwanted advances. Depardieu dismissed her account, asserting he was merely trying to prevent a slip.

“I’m heavy, and hot, and in a bad mood; a woman glances at me strangely,” he said, illustrating the chaotic environment that shaped these interactions. “I almost slipped and reacted.”

Famed actress Fanny Ardant, a longtime friend of Depardieu, took the stand in his defense, emphasizing that she had never witnessed inappropriate behavior from him. “I have experienced things like that. I know you can say no to Gérard,” Ardant assured the court.

This case is not the only black mark on Depardieu’s career. He has been under investigation since December 2020 for separate rape and sexual assault allegations, prompted by actress Charlotte Arnould, dating back to incidents in 2018. In August, prosecutors sought to elevate the case to trial, implicating him in charges of digital rape and sexual assault.

As the trial unfolds, Depardieu's legacy as a pillar of French cinema stands at a crossroads, with implications that resonate through the #MeToo movement and wider societal discussions on sexual misconduct. The upcoming decisions in both cases will not only impact his career but also reflect the ongoing reckoning within the film industry regarding such serious issues.