Actor Gérard Depardieu acknowledges boorish behavior but denies sexual assault

Actor Gérard Depardieu admitted to using crude language and grabbing a woman’s hips but denied sexually assaulting her during his trial in Paris. He acknowledged his behavior was wrong and apologized, emphasizing that his actions were not ill-intentioned. Depardieu faces up to five years in prison and a fine if convicted. The trial is seen as a test of France’s willingness to address sexual violence and hold influential men accountable.