Jean-Claude Van Damme, the legendary action star once known as “The Muscles from Brussels,” is now facing one of the most serious accusations of his career – and it could change everything.
According to a criminal complaint filed with Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT), Van Damme is being accused of knowingly engaging in sexual acts with women trafficked from Romania. The complaint alleges that the 64-year-old actor received five Romanian women as a “gift” in Cannes, France, with prior knowledge that they had been trafficked by a group led by alleged Romanian crime figure Morel Bolea.
The accusations are part of a wider investigation into human trafficking that has been ongoing in Romania since 2020. Van Damme is reportedly tied to the case through a witness testimony that triggered the criminal complaint. Romanian attorney Adrian Cuculis, representing one of the alleged victims, claims the women were “in a state of vulnerability” and suggests Van Damme knew their background when he accepted the encounter.
“These were photo models in Romania, allegedly offered to Van Damme for sex by members of a criminal group,” Cuculis said. “The person who received those benefits knew their condition.”
Because the incident reportedly took place in Cannes, the High Court of Cassation in France must first authorize any proceedings for the case to move forward. If greenlit, suspects – potentially including Van Damme – may be summoned to Romania for official questioning.
Neither Van Damme nor DIICOT have issued public statements yet. The gravity of the accusations has sent shockwaves through both Romanian media and Hollywood circles, where Van Damme had long maintained a comeback trajectory in recent years.
The Belgian star rose to fame in the ’80s and ’90s for his roles in martial arts blockbusters like Bloodsport, Kickboxer, and Street Fighter. In recent interviews, Van Damme reflected on a more humble chapter of his life, even patching up old feuds – notably with Steven Seagal. But this latest development could overshadow decades of stardom.
What’s next?
- If France authorizes the criminal procedure, an international legal process may unfold.
- Romanian prosecutors will seek to determine if Van Damme was complicit or a knowing participant.
- The broader human trafficking investigation could reveal more celebrity links.
Until then, Van Damme’s silence is deafening. For a man who’s battled villains on screen for years, this real-life accusation might be his most formidable adversary yet.
