Gérard Depardieu, a 77-year-old French actor known for his prominent role in French cinema, is preparing to challenge a legal decision that has referred him to trial for alleged rapes. This challenge will take place during a closed-door hearing in Paris. Depardieu was referred to trial in August 2025, and his new legal team will present arguments on Thursday, September 16, to contest the referral and avoid a criminal trial. The case centers on allegations that Depardieu raped actress Charlotte Arnould during the summer of 2018. At the time, Arnould was 22 years old and claims the incident occurred at Depardieu’s home, where she had gone at his invitation. She filed a complaint in August 2018 in the Bouches-du-Rhône region, just a few days after the alleged incident. The investigation was initially handled by the local prosecutor's office, which in June 2019 classified the case as involving an "insufficiently characterized offense," suggesting that the evidence was not strong enough to proceed. However, in the summer of 2020, Charlotte Arnould submitted a new complaint, which led to the appointment of an investigating judge. This judge placed Depardieu under investigation in December 2021. During the investigation, Depardieu maintained that the relationship was consensual. His new legal team is now seeking to avoid a criminal trial and have the case dismissed entirely. According to a source close to the case, Depardieu’s defense believes that no charges can be brought against him. The upcoming hearing will be a critical step in determining whether the case will move forward to a trial or be dropped. The outcome could have significant implications for Depardieu’s legal and public life, given his status as one of France's most recognizable actors.