With his hulking frame, crooked nose, and volcanic charisma, Gérard Depardieu reigned over cinema for half a century.

When French actor Gérard Depardieu walks into a Paris courtroom on Monday, he won’t just be facing two women who accuse him of sexual assault — he’ll also be confronting a nation long criticized for dragging its feet in confronting sexual violence, particularly when committed by the powerful.

Thomas Jolly is preparing to share France with the world with the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony.