Gérard Depardieu Faces New Legal Challenges Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

The French actor Gérard Depardieu is scheduled to be judged in October for accusations of sexual violence against two women during a film shoot. He now faces a second potential trial as the Paris prosecution has requested his appearance before a criminal court for charges of rape and sexual assault on actress Charlotte Arnould.

The prosecution confirmed to AFP on Thursday that it had asked for the case to be referred to a criminal court for acts of “digital penetration and sexual assaults” committed on August 7 and 13, 2018, against the 28-year-old actress Charlotte Arnould. Depardieu, aged 75, has been under investigation since December 16, 2020, following a civil complaint from Arnould.

The judicial actions come after a lengthy investigation process. The case is now in the hands of the examining judge, who will decide whether to proceed with a trial. An attorney for Depardieu did not provide immediate comment to the AFP.

Charlotte Arnould expressed relief and hope on social media following the prosecution’s requisition. She noted that the developments give her encouragement while maintaining a cautious approach as she awaits the instruction judge’s final decision.

In an October 2023 letter published in the Figaro, Depardieu denied the allegations, stating, “I have never abused a woman.” He described the initial meeting with Arnould as consensual, asserting there was no coercion or opposition at any point in their interaction.

Arnould had originally filed a complaint in August 2018, which was later transferred to the Paris prosecutor’s office for appropriate jurisdiction. The initial investigation was closed in June 2019, but following a civil complaint filed in March 2020, the case was reopened and is now being pursued as a judicial proceeding for charges of rape.

Depardieu is also set to be tried in October regarding sexual assaults involving two women during the filming of “Les volets verts” directed by Jean Becker in 2021. An additional complaint from a former production assistant regarding a 2014 incident was closed in April due to exceeding the statute of limitations.

Moreover, a report by actress Hélène Darras alleging sexual assault during a 2007 film shoot was also dismissed on similar grounds.