Jean-Claude Van Damme is facing allegations in Romania over claims that he knowingly engaged in sexual activities with trafficked women. A criminal complaint has been lodged against the 64-year-old action star, accusing him of accepting five Romanian women as a "gift" from a group currently under investigation for human trafficking and organised crime.
Romanian authorities accuse Van Damme of engaging in sexual activities with exploited womenGetty Images
The complaint, filed with Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT), alleges that Van Damme was aware the women had been exploited. Attorney Adrian Cuculis, who represents one of the alleged victims, stated that the women were in a vulnerable state. “There is suspicion that they were exploited, and the person who received them as a benefit knew their condition,” Cuculis told Romanian media.
The accusations centre around an event in Cannes, France, where Van Damme was allegedly introduced to the women by individuals suspected of operating a trafficking ring. Morel Bolea, a Romanian businessman and owner of a modelling agency, is reportedly the leader of this group. Bolea and several associates are already under investigation for recruiting and coercing women into sex work.
The action star allegedly received trafficked women as a "gift" from a criminal groupGetty Images
One of the women involved has provided testimony to authorities, leading DIICOT to launch a formal investigation. This case is linked to a broader probe into human trafficking in Romania, which has been ongoing since 2020. However, since the alleged incidents occurred in France, Romania’s legal authorities must seek approval from the High Court of Cassation before proceeding with legal action against Van Damme.
The actor, best known for films like Bloodsport, Kickboxer, and Street Fighter, has not issued any public statements regarding the allegations. His representatives have also remained silent. If the French judiciary grants permission, Van Damme and other suspects could be summoned to Romania for questioning.
Van Damme is linked to a human trafficking case involving Romanian modelsGetty Images
These allegations have emerged amid increased scrutiny of human trafficking networks in Europe. In recent years, Romanian authorities have intensified efforts to dismantle such criminal organisations, with multiple high-profile cases coming to light.
Van Damme, once a celebrated action star, has faced personal and legal struggles in the past, including substance abuse and legal disputes. This latest controversy, however, is of a different magnitude, as it directly ties him to an international human trafficking case.
Jean-Claude Van Damme faces criminal investigation over alleged ties to human traffickingGetty Images
As the investigation progresses, legal experts suggest that the case could take months or even years to unfold. For now, the world watches as the legal system determines whether the accusations hold weight and if Jean-Claude Van Damme will be held accountable.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.