France: Spanish Journalist Ruth Baza Files Rape Complaint Against Gérard Depardieu

Baza has accused French film star Gérard Depardieu of raping her nearly 30 years ago

Location: France, Paris
Date: December 19, 2023

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom stand in solidarity with Ruth Baza, a Spanish journalist and author who has bravely come forward with her allegations against Gérard Depardieu. Her courage in speaking out about a rape that allegedly occurred nearly 30 years ago is not only commendable but also essential in the ongoing fight against sexual violence and the culture of silence in the media and entertainment industries. We believe that Ruth Baza's decision to file a criminal complaint, despite the significant passage of time and the legal hurdles, is an important step towards achieving justice, not just for herself but for all survivors of sexual assault who have felt powerless against influential figures. Baza’s experience reflects a disturbing narrative familiar to many women in journalism — a profession where power imbalances are often exploited, leading to incidents of sexual harassment and assault. Her story is particularly poignant in highlighting the challenges faced by women who dare to speak up against prominent individuals.

Spanish journalist and author Ruth Baza has accused French film star Gérard Depardieu of raping her nearly 30 years ago. The alleged incident occurred during an interview in Paris, according to a criminal complaint filed by Baza with Spanish police. This new allegation against Depardieu adds to a growing list of accusations that have recently resurfaced.

Ruth Baza, 51, asserts that the assault took place on October 12, 1995, in the offices of Roissy Films, a now-defunct production company. At that time, Baza was working for the magazine Cinemania and was only 23 years old, while Depardieu was 46. Recalling the incident, Baza described it as “an intrusion without any consent, at any time” and stated that she felt “paralyzed” during the attack.

The Spanish journalist's decision to come forward was reportedly triggered by previous allegations against Depardieu, which she says caused “flashes” of memory regarding her own encounter with the actor. This revelation followed a French television report showcasing Depardieu's sexist remarks, reigniting debates about sexism in French cinema.

Baza's recollections were corroborated by personal notes she took at the time, which resurfaced after reading an investigative report by Mediapart. This report detailed accusations from 13 women who alleged sexual violence by Depardieu.

The case against Depardieu, however, faces significant legal challenges. Under French law, the events described by Baza have surpassed the statute of limitations, making it unlikely that charges will be filed against the actor in France. Nonetheless, Baza hopes her complaint will encourage others to come forward.

Depardieu has consistently denied all allegations of rape and sexual assault, including those in a separate case brought against him by actor Charlotte Arnould in 2021. In an open letter published in Le Figaro, Depardieu vehemently refuted these claims, stating, “Never, ever have I abused a woman.”

By coming forward, Baza has reignited critical conversations about sexism within the film industry, particularly in France, where recent reports have shed light on deeply ingrained misogynistic attitudes. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom urge the industry, audiences, and legal systems worldwide to listen to and seriously consider the voices of survivors. We call for thorough and unbiased investigations into such allegations, regardless of the accused's stature. We stand against the stigma and disbelief often faced by survivors who report sexual assault, especially after a significant time has passed. The psychological impact of such trauma can cause delayed reporting, and this in no way diminishes the validity of their experiences. We commend Ruth Baza for her strength and resilience and extend our support to all women who have endured similar experiences. It is only through collective efforts and unwavering support that we can hope to dismantle the structures that enable and protect perpetrators of sexual violence.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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