Amidst Controversy: Depardieu's French Woes and New Spanish Accusations
Gérard Depardieu, a renowned French actor, is currently embroiled in a series of controversy surrounding sexual misconduct allegations. While his fame in France is under threat, a new accusation from a Spanish journalist has further intensified the situation.
Spain Joins the Fray with Rape Allegations
Following allegations of sexual misconduct in France, a Spanish journalist has come forward with claims of rape against Depardieu. Ruth Baza, a 51-year-old journalist and author, reportedly filed a complaint with Spanish police. According to Baza, Depardieu, then 23, raped her during an interview for the magazine "Cinemanía" in Paris in October 1995. The alleged incident took place at Roissy Films' premises. Baza recounts that she neither consented to sex nor had the ability to refuse. At the time, Depardieu was 74.
As of now, Spanish police and public prosecutors have not confirmed receiving Baza's complaint.
France's Ongoing Investigations
Depardieu has been facing intense scrutiny in France due to multiple sexual assault allegations. Since the end of 2020, actress Charlotte Arnould has accused him of raping her twice at his apartment in Paris in 2018. Furthermore, actress Hélène Darras alleged sexual assault during filming in 2007.
Despite numerous accusations, a substantial number of women charging Depardieu with sexual assault have yet to press charges. Depardieu has denied all accusations vehemently.
Depardieu's Legion of Honor Expulsion
Responding to a revealing documentary showing Depardieu making vulgar and sexist comments in North Korea, the French Culture Minister Rima Abdul Malak described his behavior towards women as "a disgrace to France." As a result, Depardieu was expelled from the Legion of Honor.
In a Legal Quagmire
From a legal standpoint, Baza's accusations, made 27 years after the alleged incident, have little chance of prosecution in Spain as the crime would be considered time-barred. However, Baza hopes to contribute to the support of other victims.
Meanwhile, Depardieu is currently facing legal proceedings in France for the allegations against him. A trial on charges related to the sexual assault allegations on the set of "The Green Shutters" was postponed until March 2025 due to Depardieu's health concerns. Separately, a case related to rape allegations made by actress Charlotte Arnould is awaiting a decision by the investigating judge.
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Enrichment Data:
- Gérard Depardieu is currently facing two separate sets of allegations in France: one related to sexual assault on the set of "The Green Shutters" and another related to rape allegations made by Charlotte Arnould.
- The trial related to charges of sexual assault on the set of "The Green Shutters" was initially scheduled to begin on Monday but was delayed due to Depardieu's health concerns.
- The separate rape allegations made by actress Charlotte Arnould are currently pending a decision by the investigating judge.
- Gérard Depardieu's lawyer, Jérémie Assous, stated that Depardieu is "extremely affected" by his health issues and has been advised by his doctors not to attend the hearing in person.
- There are no reported legal actions or trials related to these allegations in Spain.
