The verdict in the trial against Gérard Depardieu is imminent.

The trial against Gérard Depardieu for sexual harassment is nearing its conclusion: A decision is expected on Tuesday morning (10:00 a.m.). How will the Paris criminal court rule? Will Depardieu be found guilty? The public prosecutor has demanded an 18-month prison sentence – coupled with a suspended sentence – in the sensational trial.

Two women – a set designer and an assistant director – accuse Depardieu of obscenely addressing them and inappropriately touching them during the filming of the 2021 movie "The Green Shutters" (Les volets verts). Both described in court that the actor groped their breasts and buttocks. The public prosecutor's office classifies the assaults as intentional.

The actor denies sexually harassing either woman. In the case of the costume designer, he admitted to touching her hips – but emphasized that this was not sexually motivated.

After four tense days of the trial at the end of March, the public prosecutor's office demanded an 18-month suspended prison sentence. The requested probation period is three years and is subject to several conditions.

The 76-year-old is to undergo psychological counseling and be registered on the French sex offenders register. The court also demanded a fine of €20,000 and compensation. Depardieu is also to be banned from running in elections for two years.

If he complies with the conditions, he will be spared a prison sentence. In the trial, he faced up to five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros.

His lawyer, Jérémie Assous, called for the proceedings to be discontinued early on due to alleged procedural deficiencies, spoke of "fabricated accusations" and accused the public prosecutor of systematically ignoring exculpatory witnesses.

In a plea lasting over three hours, he directly attacked the plaintiffs' credibility and emphasized their financial interests. At the same time, he presented numerous witnesses for the defense from Depardieu's circle. "I want this nightmare to end," the lawyer said. "I want the hell into which Gérard Depardieu has been thrown to end."

In court, Depardieu described himself as "human, but often awkward." His rude manner was part of his personality, but it did not mean he was abusive toward women. Despite the massive allegations against him, Depardieu remained unapologetic about his choice of words. "There is a difference between crudeness and vulgarity," he emphasized.

He considered the perception of his comments as sexist or inappropriate a matter of social change. "Every era has its own vulgarity, its own language, its own slang." Nevertheless, he admitted that he sometimes oversteps the mark: "I say filthy things." But for him, they are never more than that—words meant to provoke but not hurt.

Accusations of sexual assault against French film icon Depardieu have been piling up for years. Some of them were made anonymously, and not all of them have reached the courts. Now, for the first time, the actor has had to go to court.

Depardieu faces further trial on suspicion of rape following a lawsuit filed by actress Charlotte Arnould. Depardieu denies all allegations.

The award-winning actor has appeared in more than 200 films, many of which have become cinematic classics, such as "Cyrano de Bergerac," "Asterix and Obelix," and "The Last Metro." Due to numerous accusations and disapproving statements, he has become a highly controversial figure in France.