French actor Gerard Depardieu under judicial investigation, charged with rape

French actor Gerard Depardieu, 72, has
been charged with rape and sexual assault. The crime was allegedly committed
against an actress in 2018, media reports said.

As per a judicial source, the actress
was in her 20s. The first round of investigation was dropped in 2019 due to a lack of evidence. The investigation was reopened last summer and led to criminal
charges being filed against Depardieu in December, reported AFP.

Also Read: ‘It’s my fault’: Mia Farrow reveals shocking details about Woody Allen, calls him ‘great regret’

The actress has accused Depardieu of
raping and assaulting her in his Paris home in August 2018. According to a
source, the 72-year-old actor is a friend of the actress’s family.

Some reports have suggested Depardieu
and the actress were rehearsing a scene of a theatre play, but the source said
“there was nothing professional about the encounter”.

Also Read: Renowned Greek actor Dimitris Lignadis arrested on child rape charges

Defending Depardieu, his lawyer Herve Temime
has said he “completely rejects the accusations”. Depardieu is
currently under judicial supervision.