Newly released images renew scrutiny of misconduct in French cinema.
PARIS, France. Previously unseen footage from the 2011 filming of Turf has emerged showing French actor Gérard Depardieu repeatedly touching a young female extra as she attempts to push his hands away. The images, published by French outlets Le Média and Mediapart, have renewed attention to allegations of sexual misconduct involving the 77-year-old actor, whose earlier sexual assault conviction has become final.
The footage was recorded on November 2, 2011, at the Auteuil racecourse in Paris during production of the comedy directed by Fabien Onteniente. Approximately 150 extras were present during the filming.
In the recording, Depardieu is seen touching the woman’s thighs, buttocks and groin area while she repeatedly attempts to stop him. Mediapart, which verified the footage, reported that the physical contact was not part of the film’s script.
The woman, identified as Olivia, was 22 at the time. Speaking publicly about the experience, she described feeling attacked and alleged that the actor also touched her breasts during interactions not entirely captured by the video.
Her account was supported by testimony from casting director Fany Touya-Calmon, who said she intervened to protect female extras from further unwanted contact. She described rearranging their positions and remaining close to Depardieu during subsequent takes.
Director Fabien Onteniente confirmed that he confronted the actor after learning that Olivia had been crying. He said he instructed Depardieu to stop the behavior.
The footage emerged as Depardieu withdrew his appeal against a separate sexual assault conviction involving two women working on the 2021 film Les Volets verts.
In May 2025, a Paris court sentenced him to 18 months of suspended imprisonment for sexually assaulting a set decorator and an assistant director. His decision to abandon the appeal means that conviction now stands.
Depardieu also faces separate proceedings involving actress Charlotte Arnould, who accused him of rape in connection with alleged incidents in 2018. That case remains unresolved, and he retains the presumption of innocence regarding allegations not established by a court.
According to Mediapart, 22 women have made allegations of sexual violence against the actor since 2018. Depardieu has previously denied accusations of criminal misconduct and did not respond to questions concerning the newly released footage.
The revelations raise wider concerns about workplace protections and professional power within the entertainment industry. They also highlight the importance of distinguishing documented conduct, personal testimony and findings established through judicial proceedings.
For French cinema, the case renews questions about institutional responsibility when allegations involve internationally recognized performers.
Beyond the Headlines, Accountability Matters.