Depardieu’s attorney, Hervé Temime, told CNN that the actor disputes the allegations of wrongdoing and recalls the presumption of innocence and that the case was initially dropped last June. The case has recently been reopened by the judiciary.
In 2018, the French actor was charged with rape and sexual assault by a 22-year-old woman, which, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office, led to a ‘preliminary investigation’.
In the French judiciary, a formal investigation follows if officials find reasons to continue the case.
Temime said in 2018 when Depardieu was first charged that his client was “shocked” by the accusation and “completely denies every assault, rape and criminal act”.
He then added, “I have strong elements to show that no transgression has taken place,” and that the transgression was “the opposite” of Depardieu’s personality.
The complaint was filed on August 27 and went to the Paris prosecutor on August 29.
“I’m sorry this investigation has not been kept secret as usual,” added Temime.
Also in 2018, Temime confirmed that Depardieu knows the woman who accused him, but denied that he was with her during the dates mentioned in the complaint.
Depardieu is known for his roles in such films as “Green Card,” “The Man in the Iron Mask,” and “Life of Pi.” He was also nominated for an Oscar in 1991 for his lead role in “Cyrano de Bergerac”.