French Actor Gérard Depardieu Charged With Rape

French actor Gérard Depardieu has been charged with rape and sexual assault. The indictment against him was filed in December, but was not confirmed until Feb. 23.

He is accused of raping and sexually assaulting a a then 22 year old actress in August 2018. The pair were allegedly rehearsing at Depardieu’s home in Paris when the incident took place.

The accusations were initially dropped in 2019 after nine months of investigation because of lack of evidence. The actress relaunched the investigation, claiming to be an “injured party.” Under French laws, “injured parties” typically have their cases reviewed by a magistrate.

Depardieu’s lawyer, Herve Temime, said he “completely rejects the accusations.” She also said he “was not informed” of the reopening of the investigation, and called it a “non-event” and “automatic decision” based on French law. He is currently free but under judicial supervision.

Elodie Tuaillon-Hibon, the actress’ lawyer,  said her client “renews her confidence in the courts, at whose disposal she stands,” and that she hopes her client’s “private sphere will be respected” as the investigation is carried out.

Depardieu is best known for his roles in Cyrano de Bergerac and The Last Metro. He has also appeared in the American films Green Card, The Man in the Iron Mask and 102.