French actor Gerard Depardieu has been accused of raping and sexually assaulting a French actress in her twenties, according to reports.
The 69-year-old actor - who became a Russian citizen in 2013 - has denied the allegations, with his lawyer telling France Info radio that he "had a long meeting with Gerard Depardieu and I am absolutely convinced his innocence will be established."
According to Le Parisien, the incidents occurred at Depardieu's home in Paris on August 7th and 13th, and were reported to police on August 27th. Parisian police have begun a preliminary investigation. The newspaper reports that the actress was known to Depardieu, who was allegedly giving her professional advice.
The actor himself has not publicly commented on the matter, although his lawyer reiterated to AFP that he "absolutely disputes" the allegations.
