Jean-Claude Van Damme turns down ‘grotesque’ trafficking allegations

Jean-Claude Van Damme is setting the record straight after facing serious allegations linked to a criminal investigation in Romania. 

The action movie legend is responding to claims that he knowingly engaged physically with five women who were allegedly victims of sexual exploitation at an event in Cannes.

In a firm statement shared with PEOPLE, Van Damme’s agent Patrick Goavec didn’t mince words. 

“We have become aware of articles alleging an alleged affair in Cannes involving Mr. Jean-Claude Van Damme,” Goavec said, in a message translated from French.

“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.”

The response comes shortly after CNN affiliate Antena 3 reported that a criminal complaint had been filed with Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT). 

The complaint alleges that Van Damme, 64, had intimate encounters with five Romanian women at a Cannes event that he hosted—women who were reportedly offered to him by a criminal group led by Morel Bolea.

According to the complaint, the women were described as Romanian photo models and allegedly presented as a “gift” to the actor. 

Attorney Adrian Cuculis, representing one of the alleged victims, told Antena 3, “They were in a state of vulnerability, with the suspicion that they were exploited within the meaning of Article 182 of the Criminal Code.”

Cuculis further explained, “At one point in Cannes, at an event organized by Jean-Claude Van Damme, several Romanians who are currently being investigated for the establishment of a criminal group and pimping allegedly offered Jean-Claude Van Damme five Romanian women — photo models in Romania — for him to have sexual relations [with].”

He added, “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.”

Antena 3 reported that one of the witnesses relayed their account to prosecutors, prompting DIICOT to launch a criminal investigation involving the actor.

Meanwhile, Morel Bolea denied any association with Van Damme. 

In a comment to Page Six, Bolea stated the story was “completely fake news” and insisted he had “no connection with” the martial arts star.

Attorney Cuculis also told the outlet that the investigation is part of a broader case into human exploitation, including a five-year probe that involves trafficking and reportedly includes cases involving minors.

While the details unfold, Van Damme’s team is maintaining a strong denial and choosing not to fan the flames of what they call an unfounded narrative.