Jean-Claude Van Damme, a 64-year-old Belgian actor and martial artist, is facing a very serious charge in Romania. Most noted for his martial arts action movies, he has been a prominent member of pop culture since the 1980s. His successful career has made him a household name across the globe. That name may be tarnished right now, though, as it has become public that he is facing sex trafficking charges in the country of Romania this week.
Jean-Claude Van Damme Has Had an Iconic Career
Jean-Claude Van Damme began his career as a martial artist in Belgium. He began his studies when he was ten years old and continued his career for the next decade. As a martial artist and body builder in Belgium, he earned the title of “Mr. Belgium”. He is a second-dan black belt in karate and has also won the middleweight championship of the European Professional Karate Association, earning these accomplishments all before the age of 20.
In 1982, Jean-Claude Van Damme immigrated to the United States, hoping to pursue a career in acting. Nicknamed “The Muscles from Brussels”, he achieved success acting in martial arts movies, beginning with Bloodsport in 1988. His most successful box office film was Timecop, which grossed over $100 million at the box office. Additional notable films included Street Fighter, Sudden Death, and The Quest. Most recently, he did voice-over work, including for the 2024 film Darkness of Man. In total, Van Damme’s films have grossed over $1 billion, making him the most successful action star of all time.
Jean-Claude Van Damme Facing Serious Legal Trouble
Van Damme is facing serious allegations, ones that could come with hefty prison time should he be convicted. Criminal charges have reportedly been filed by the Romanian Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) against the actor, claiming that he “knowingly engaged in sexual relations with women trafficked by a criminal group.” According to reports, the actor is accused of receiving the women as a “gift” and was aware of the potential that they were being trafficked.
The allegations claim that Van Damme held the event in Cannes, and a woman observed the situation in question. According to the filing, the woman notified prosecutors of the incident, which opened the investigation on Van Damme. Adrian Cucculis, an attorney for the case, told People’s magazine about the situation.
“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. The person who received those benefits knew their condition.”
Representatives for Jean-Claude Van Damme have not yet made a statement, although it is expected he will deny all allegations against him. Morel Bolea, another named entity in the charges, claimed the accusations were “fake news” and he knows nothing of Van Damme. As more information comes out about the investigation, information will be updated. Should the actor be found guilty of a crime, he could be facing substantial jail time.
