Paris, France - Actor Gérard Depardieu is under investigation in France for rape and sexual assault, according to judicial sources.

The French news agency AFP quoted Depardieu's lawyer Hervé Témime as saying that Depardieu completely denied the alleged crimes.

After preliminary investigations into the case were dropped in 2019, the investigation started up again in summer 2020.

A young female actor filed a complaint, saying that Depardieu (72) had raped and assaulted her at his home in August 2018, several media sources reported.

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The proceedings currently underway could lead to a criminal trial if the investigating judges ultimately find sufficient evidence against Depardieu. Otherwise, they may drop the case.

Depardieu is one of the most famous French actors and is widely known for his roles as Cyrano of Bergerac, Obelix, and the Count of Monte Cristo, among others.