Actor Gérard Depardieu, 69, Accused of Rape by Woman in Her 20s: Report

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A unnamed woman, aged 22, filed a criminal complaint against Depardieu, 69, claiming he sexually assaulted her on August 7 and August 13, Holland-based news agencyBNO News reports, citing French officials andsources speakingtoLe Parisiennewspaper.

“I regret the public nature of this process which poses a major prejudice to Gerard Depardieu, whose innocence I am convinced will be [recognized],” Depardieu’s lawyer Herve Termime toldAFP News.

The lawyer noted that Depardieu “absolutely denies any attack, any rape.”

Termime’s office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

The alleged incidents reportedly occurred in Depardieu’s home, according to BNO News, that also reported the woman is an actress and dancer known to the actor, who was allegedly giving her professional advice. She reported her claims to police in Lambesc, and Paris prosecutors are now investigating, per the outlet.

Depardieu, a famed figure in French cinema, has worked on about 170 projects, includingLes Valseuses (Going Places)andWelcome to NewYork,according toThe Hollywood Reporter. Hewas nominatedfor an Academy Award for Best Actor for 1990’sCyrano de Bergerac.

Depardieu made the news in 2011 when heurinated in the aisle of a planein front of other passengers when he was told that he had to wait until takeoff to use the bathroom.

In a statement on Depardieu’s behalf, actor Edouard Baer told French press at the time, “Gerard was upset at this and offered to clean up the mess. He has prostate problems and it was very worrying and humiliating for him.”

source: people.com