**Juliette Binoche Comments on Gérard Depardieu's Conviction Amid #MeToo Movement**

In light of Gérard Depardieu's recent conviction for sexual assault and his subsequent 18-month suspended sentence, Juliette Binoche, a co-star from "Let the Sunshine In" and President of the Cannes Film Festival Jury, was questioned regarding her views on the verdict. The issue was raised during a press conference at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, where Binoche highlighted the influence of the #MeToo movement in bringing such matters to light.

Responding to inquiries about Depardieu, Binoche acknowledged that the #MeToo movement has been instrumental in ensuring that justice is served in cases of sexual misconduct. She pointed out that this kind of judicial outcome might not have been possible without the cultural shift initiated by #MeToo. A journalist notably referred to Depardieu as a "sacred monster" and a "wonderful guy in the cinema," to which Binoche sharply responded by stating that Depardieu has lost his once revered status due to the nature of his actions, as validated by the court's decision.

Binoche elaborated on how the Cannes Film Festival aligns itself with current social and political movements. She explained that Cannes is reflective of the worldwide changes ushered in by movements like #MeToo, which took time to gain momentum but has recently made significant impacts. According to Binoche, the festival is keenly observant of such societal shifts and either follows these trends or leads them.

Depardieu's conviction came after a challenging trial in Paris this past March, centered on allegations of groping during the filming of Jean Becker's "The Green Shutters" in 2021. The sentence, linked specifically to assaults on two female crew members, marks a significant chapter in France's ongoing confrontation with sexual misconduct, an issue to which the country has been slow to respond relative to other parts of the world. Depardieu, who has faced at least 20 public allegations of sexually inappropriate behavior over the decades, continues to deny the charges, claiming his actions were misconstrued.

This landmark case not only underscores the transformative power of the #MeToo movement but also highlights the vital role of cultural and legal institutions in addressing and rectifying issues of sexual misconduct.