Rape allegations

Gérard Depardieu rape investigation dropped by French prosecutors

The 70-year-old had always denied the accusations, made by a young French actress last year.

The prosecutor's office said the investigators were not able to stand up the allegations.

Mr Depardieu is one of France's most recognisable actors, and has starred in films such as Cyrano de Bergerac and Jean de Florette.

The accuser claimed the alleged crimes had occurred last August in one of Mr Depardieu's Paris residences when she was 22 years old, French media reported at the time.