In brief
Gérard Depardieu, the celebrated French actor, has been ordered to stand trial for allegations of rape and sexual assault made by Charlotte Arnould in 2018. The case has now moved forward after initial dismissals for insufficient evidence. Depardieu has denied the allegations, asserting that their relationship was consensual. The trial's date has yet to be scheduled, while Arnould's legal representative has voiced confidence in seeking judicial truth.
French actor Gérard Depardieu has been ordered to stand trial over allegations of rape and sexual assault from 2018.
His accuser, actor Charlotte Arnould, expressed relief that the case is proceeding to court, seven years after she initially filed a complaint.
Depardieu, 76, has denied the charges, maintaining that his relationship with Arnould was consensual.
Earlier this year, he was convicted of sexually assaulting two members of a film production crew, and was placed on a sex offenders list, although he has denied those claims as well.
Seven years later, seven years of horror and hell... I think I'm having trouble realizing how huge this is. I'm relieved, Arnould wrote on social media.
Arnould's lawyer, Carine Durrieu Diebolt, confirmed that Depardieu faces charges stemming from two incidents of alleged assault at his Paris home in August 2018.
Arnould and her legal representative expressed confidence regarding the upcoming trial, which is seen as a vital step towards justice.
The date for the trial has not yet been announced.
In a letter published in Le Figaro in 2023, Depardieu denied any wrongdoing, claiming: Never, ever, have I abused a woman... There was never any coercion, violence, or protest between us.
The case was previously dismissed for lack of evidence, but a judicial investigation was launched after Arnould filed another complaint in the summer of 2020.
