A Spanish journalist and author, Ruth Baza, has come forward to accuse French cinema superstar Gérard Depardieu of rape.
Baza filed a criminal complaint with Spanish police, claiming that the incident took place nearly three decades ago in Paris during an interview for the magazine Cinemania.
The complaint was reported by Barcelona-based newspaper La Vanguardia.
According to Baza, the alleged rape occurred on October 12, 1995, when she was 23 years old and Depardieu was 46.
She described it as “an intrusion without any consent, at any time,” and stated that she felt “paralyzed” during the incident.
The assault reportedly took place on the premises of the former production company Roissy Films.
Initially referring to it as s**ual assault, Baza confirmed that the police classified it as rape.
In Spain, the charge of s**ual assault encompasses various crimes, including online abuse, groping, and rape, each carrying different possible punishments.
A rape conviction can result in a maximum sentence of 15 years.
The Spanish police confirmed that a complaint had been filed.
Depardieu has faced previous legal troubles, being charged with rape in France in 2020 and accused of s**ual harassment and assault by multiple women.
A recent French television report featuring footage of the actor making sexist comments has brought the allegations back into the spotlight, reigniting a debate about sexism within the French cinema industry.
Baza revealed that she had forgotten about the alleged assault until she read an investigative article published by the news website Mediapart in April.
The article featured claims from 13 women who accused Depardieu of s**ual violence.
Baza’s memory was triggered by the article, which she corroborated with personal notes she had taken at the time.
Despite the fact that the events described in Baza’s complaint have surpassed the statute of limitations in France, the criminal complaint was still filed in the hope that it would encourage others to speak out.
Baza stated that her intention was to “help other people” by coming forward with her own experience.
