Jean-Claude Van Damme’s representative has addressed a controversial situation involving the renowned Belgian actor and martial artist. Recently, Van Damme was accused of allegedly engaging in inappropriate activities with five Romanian women believed to have been victims of human trafficking.
The allegations came to light following a report by CNN affiliate Antena 3 on April 1. The Romanian Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) has since initiated a criminal investigation into the matter. The report indicated that the women were allegedly provided to Van Damme by Morel Bolea, a businessman linked to a modeling agency.
In response to these claims, Patrick Goavec, Van Damme’s agent, provided a statement in French to People on April 9, asserting that the accusations are “absurd”and “unfounded.”Below is an excerpt from the statement:
“We have become aware of articles alleging an alleged affair in Cannes involving Mr. Jean-Claude Van Damme. The reported facts are both grotesque and non-existent. Mr. Van Damme does not wish to comment or fuel this rumor, which is as absurd as it is unfounded.”
Context Surrounding the Allegations Against Van Damme
Further details regarding the allegations emerged in a report by Page Six on April 9. Adrian Cuculis, the attorney representing one of the alleged victims, stated that the five women were present at a Cannes event organized by the actor. It was suggested that Morel Bolea had made the women available to Van Damme while they were in a precarious situation.
“[The women] were in a state of vulnerability, with the suspicion that they were exploited within the meaning of Article 182 of the Criminal Code,”Cuculis mentioned.
The investigation into the matter also involves a criminal organization accused of exploiting and trafficking Romanian women. According to the attorney, the five victims were models who were allegedly offered to Van Damme for sexual relations at an event he hosted.
“At one point in Cannes, at an event organized by Jean-Claude Van Damme, several Romanians currently under investigation for establishing a criminal group allegedly offered Jean-Claude Van Damme five Romanian women — photo models in Romania — for him to have sexual relations [with],”he reported.
Moreover, the media has indicated that those involved in allegedly trafficking the victims were aware of the circumstances surrounding them. Cuculis has accused Van Damme of being aware but still engaging with the women.
“The person who received those benefits knew their condition. From the witness statements, it is very clear that Jean-Claude Van Damme knew that these people were being exploited,”he asserted.
Potential Remake of Bloodsport
In other news, a report from Yahoo Entertainment on April 8 revealed that A24, the studio known for critically acclaimed films such as *Everything Everywhere All At Once* and *Moonlight*, is reportedly in negotiations to acquire the rights to remake *Bloodsport*.
However, it appears that Jean-Claude Van Damme will not be involved in this new production, with plans to cast younger actors instead. The original *Bloodsport* featured Van Damme alongside Leah Ayres, Forest Whitaker, Donald Gibb, Roy Chiao, and Bolo Yeung.
Throughout his distinguished career, Jean-Claude Van Damme has starred in numerous iconic films, including *Timecop*, *Double Team*, *Kickboxer*, *Street Fighter*, and *The Expendables 2*.