Gérard Depardieu's Troubles Continue with New Rape Allegation
The saga surrounding French actor Gérard Depardieu (74) refuses to subside, as a fresh accusation of rape comes to light. This time, the allegation stems from Spanish journalist Ruth Baza (51), who filed a complaint with Spanish authorities, according to reports from Le Monde and other sources, such as AFP and La Vanguardia.
The supposed incident occurred in October 1995, during an interview for the magazine "Cinemania," as Baza alleged. She later modified her statement to the police, confirming that it was indeed rape. Baza claimed that the 46-year-old Depardieu raped her "without consent," leaving her feeling "paralyzed."
Depardieu's alleged misconduct extends beyond this latest episode. Numerous accusations trace back to Depardieu's past, including accounts of rape and sexual violence, which have been met with denials from Depardieu and his legal team. Meanwhile, a recently aired French television documentary uncovered inappropriate comments about women made by Depardieu during a 2018 trip to North Korea.
The family of the embattled actor, including his daughter, actress Julie Depardieu (50), defended their loved one in an open letter, terming the allegations "an unprecedented conspiracy." They pointed out Depardieu's more reserved and sensitive side in private, as contrasted with his public image.
Additional Insights
Depardieu's legal battles aren't limited to rape allegations. In addition to the investigation into his actions in 2018, there are reports of at least 13 women accusing him of various inappropriate conduct, dating back to 2004 [1][2]. One of the more specific accounts comes from a 22-year-old actress who claimed that Depardieu raped and assaulted her at his Paris home in 2018[2][1]. Her case was initially dismissed due to lack of evidence but was later reopened and charges were filed against Depardieu in December 2020[1][2].
Repercussions from the scandal extend beyond Depardieu as well. The allegations against him are proving to serve as a catalyst for addressing sexual misconduct in the French entertainment industry, effectively igniting a watershed moment for the #MeToo movement in France [3].
Related Articles
- Spanish journalist Ruth Baza has filed a rape complaint against French actor Gérard Depardieu, referring to allegations of a 1995 assault in Paris during an interview for "Cinemania" magazine.
- The #MeToo movement has made headway in France, with the allegations against Depardieu serving as a focal point. Beyond this, Gérard Depardieu is facing numerous other accusations of sexual assault and misconduct, some dating back a decade.
- Depardieu's family defends him against the allegations, presenting him as a modest and sensitive figure in private, in contrast to his public persona. Officials in Spain are investigating the rape complaint made by Ruth Baza.
