Star investigated after case revived
Veteran French film actor Gerard Depardieu has been put under criminal investigation on rape charges for an alleged assault on a 22-year-old actress.
The revival by prosecutors of a case that was dropped in 2019 for lack of evidence follows a series of allegations and criminal investigations of public figures in France over the past year.
The woman, now 24, who has not been named, told police in 2018 that Depardieu, a close family friend, had ‘‘raped and committed sexual assaults’’ on her during a ‘‘rehearsal’’ at his home on two occasions in August that year.
Depardieu’s lawyer said his
client ‘‘completely accusations’’.
The case was reopened in August last year after the actress made a civil complaint, a procedure that automatically
rejects
the requires the appointment of an examining judge.
It emerged yesterday that prosecutors notified Depardieu, 72, in December of his mise en examen status, a step short of being charged.
The potential charges include rape and sexual assault. An examining judge will determine within about a year whether or not to press charges and send Depardieu to trial.
The case is the latest in a French echo of the American #MeToo movement. Women have accused famous older men of sexual assault, and prosecutors have opened inquiries. President Emmanuel Macron has voiced support for women who have reported historical abuse.