Gerard Depardieu accused of rape

French actor Gerard Depardieu, known for his role in the 1974 hit 'Going Places' has been accused of rape by a 22-year-old woman.

A spokesman for the Paris prosecutor told CNN, "The Paris public prosecutor's office is making a preliminary investigation on counts of rape and sexual assault."

As per the French judicial system, Depardieu would now undergo formal investigation if officials find grounds for pursuing the matter further.

Depardieu's lawyer Herve Temime told CNN's affiliate BFMTV that his client was shocked by the accusation and totally denies any assault, any rape and any criminal act.

The complaint was filed on August 27 and went to the Paris prosecutor on August 29.

Temime confirmed that Depardieu knows the accuser, but denied that he was with her during the dates mentioned in the complaint.

Known as one of the most prolific character actors in film history, having completed more than 170 films since 1967, Depardieu's most recent works include many French films and an animated adventure drama 'Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero," starring Logan Lerman and Helena Bonham Carter.

--ANI