Age-old cases of alleged sexual assaults involving celebrities sometimes re-emerge from the shadows, sparking new legal proceedings. Such is the case with Spanish journalist and author Ruth Baza, who has recently initiated legal action against the distinguished French actor Gérard Depardieu for an alleged rape dating back to 1995 in Paris.
During an interview with Depardieu for the magazine Cinemanía, when she was just 23 years old and he was 46, Ruth Baza claims to have been the victim of what she describes as “non-consensual intrusion.” This chilling account has surfaced from the depths of her memory, spurred by recent revelations about the actor.
The recollections of that grim day are crowded in the journalist’s mind. According to her testimony, what began as forced closeness escalated into acts of sexual violence during the professional engagement. The complaint was recently filed in Spain, as reported by La Vanguardia newspaper, despite the alleged expiration of the statute of limitations under French law.
Given these claims, the stance of the justice system proves complex. The chances of a favorable outcome for Ruth Baza appear slim considering the statutes of limitations, yet her initiative stems from a desire to inspire. Baza hopes her action will encourage other alleged victims to break their silence.
A cloud looms anew over Gérard Depardieu, an iconic figure of French cinema. This accusation follows a 2020 indictment for similar allegations made by actress Charlotte Arnould. Hélène Darras, another actress, has also lodged a sexual assault complaint dating to 2007, although those allegations too might face prescriptive deadlines.
The case of Ruth Baza painfully echoes the many testimonies of women that the website Mediapart has compiled in a comprehensive investigation, shedding light on inappropriate behaviors attributed to Depardieu.
As the specter of statutes of limitations stands in the way of some victims’ quest for justice, the media resonance of these personal tragedies contributes to the chipping away of the silence surrounding sexual assault issues. This prompts reflection on the shortcomings of legal systems and the need for profound societal change.
