Jean-Claude Van Damme accused of sex with trafficked women from Romania

Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News on Apr 2, 2025

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Jean-Claude Van Damme, actor and action star of the ’90s, has been accused of having sex with trafficked women from Romania, according to multiple media reports.

Van Damme was named in a criminal complaint filed with the Romanian Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism, Romanian newspaper Libertatea reported. It said the 64-year-old actor was in Cannes more than a decade ago when he was “given” five women linked to a criminal group led by Romanian businessman and modeling agency owner Morel Bolea.

Van Damme then had sex with the group, despite having prior knowledge they were trafficked, according to the complaint.

Attorney Adrian Cuculis, who represents one of the alleged victims, said the allegations were uncovered amid a wider probe into human trafficking and the trafficking of minors, which was launched by the Prosecutor’s Office in 2020.

“Several Romanians who are currently being investigated for forming 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,” Attorney Adrian Cuculis, who represents one of the alleged victims, told Romanian news station Antena 3. “The person who received those benefits knew their condition.”

Cuclis added that 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,” which refers to the exploitation of persons.

A Belgian-born martial artist, Van Damme found success in Hollywood, with 1988’s “Bloodsport” marking his breakout role. Since then he’s appeared in more than 80 movies and is widely recognized by his thick accent. Other notable roles — many of them action films — include “Kickboxer,” “Double Impact,” “Double Team” and “The Expendables 2.”

Van Damme more recently lent his voice to characters in 2022’s “Minions: Rise of Gru” and the 2025 movie “The Gardener.”

He has not yet publicly commented on the allegations.

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