Prosecutors: French actor Gerard Depardieu should face trial for rape allegations

PARIS (Reuters) – French actor Gerard Depardieu should face trial in a criminal court for allegedly raping and assaulting a young actress in 2018, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office.

Depardieu, one of France’s most renowned movie stars, has denied any misconduct in this case. Contacted by Reuters on Thursday, his legal representatives were not immediately available for comment.

Actress Charlotte Arnould, who was 22 years old at the time, first filed a complaint in 2018, alleging that Depardieu raped her at his Paris residence on two separate occasions. After the initial proceedings were dropped, she lodged a new complaint in 2020.

The Paris prosecutor’s office has now requested a trial, but the decision ultimately rests with an investigating judge to determine whether it will proceed.

Depardieu, now 75, has been embroiled in several sexual assault allegations over recent years, which have marred his reputation and triggered broader discussions about sexual behavior in France. Despite these allegations, he has consistently maintained his innocence.

The actor is also set to be tried in October for alleged sexual assaults against two women during a film shoot in 2021. He has denied these charges as well.

Source: Reuters