In recent years, several high‑profile actors around the world have faced formal legal charges of rape or sexual assault. These cases, backed by verified police or court filings, have sparked serious conversations about accountability in the entertainment industry.
Below is a fact‑checked list of ten actors who have been publicly charged or convicted, with each case referencing reliable news sources and legal records.
1. Micheal Ward
The BAFTA Rising Star (Top Boy, Eddington) is charged with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault, allegedly occurring in January 2023. He denies wrongdoing and is due to appear in London on August 28, 2025.
2. Russell Brand
The comedian and actor faces one count of rape, one of oral rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one indecent assault related to alleged incidents between 1999 and 2005 involving four women. Brand has pleaded not guilty.
3. Gabriel Olds
CSI and Six Feet Under actor is charged with three counts of forcible rape, one count of rape while unconscious, sodomy by force, assault with intent, and injuring a partner, spanning incidents between 2013–2023. Bail set at $3.5M.
4. Kevin Guthrie
Scottish actor known for Fantastic Beasts was convicted in 2021 of a sexual assault from 2017. He received a custodial sentence (later reduced) and remains on the Sexual Offenders Register.
5. Kang Ji-hwan
South Korean actor was indicted in 2019 for quasi‑rape and quasi‑indecent acts after assaults involving two agency employees. He admitted guilt and received a suspended sentence plus social service.
6. Choi Jong‑hoon
Former K‑pop star and actor convicted in 2019 for gang rape and illegal filming. He received a five-year sentence (conviction shared with Jung Joon‑young).
7. Dimitris Lignadis
Former artistic director of the Greek National Theatre was arrested and charged with multiple rapes of minors in 2021. Convicted in 2022 and sentenced to 12 years.
8. Gérard Depardieu
The French film icon is on trial in Paris, accused of sexually assaulting two women during shoots in 2021. He denies all charges; trial is ongoing.
9. Sean “Diddy” Combs
While primarily facing federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges, Combs is among celebrities prosecuted in connection with sexual abuse.
10. Ca$h Out (John Michael Gibson)
The Atlanta rapper was convicted of rape, aggravated sodomy, assault, and sex trafficking under RICO, leading a multi-year trafficking operation using his music brand. Sentenced to life plus 70 years.
These cases highlight the ongoing legal scrutiny faced by public figures and the importance of due process in ensuring justice. As courts continue to address these charges, it serves as a reminder that fame offers no immunity from accountability.
Staying informed through credible sources helps separate fact from speculation in such serious matters.
Micheal Ward, Russell Brand, Gabriel Olds, Kevin Guthrie, Kang Ji‑hwan, Choi Jong‑hoon, Gérard Depardieu, Ca$h Out, Charged With Rape, Sexual Assault Cases