Jared Leto Says ‘I Have Never Sexually Assaulted Anyone’ Amid New Allegations: ‘These Claims Are Categorically False’
What's happening
Jared Leto is denying allegations of sexual assault made by 10 women in a BBC documentary released Wednesday. The actor issued a statement calling the claims "categorically false" and asserting he has never sexually assaulted anyone.
Who's involved
Jared Leto is a two-time Oscar-winning actor and frontman of the band Thirty Seconds to Mars known for roles in "Dallas Buyers Club" and "House of Gucci." The BBC produced the documentary "Jared Leto: Hollywood's Darkest Secret" featuring multiple women making allegations against him.
Why it matters
The allegations add to a growing pattern of sexual misconduct accusations against high-profile Hollywood figures, intensifying scrutiny of power dynamics in the entertainment industry. Leto's response and the outcome could influence public perception of his career and set precedent for how celebrities address such claims.
More context
This follows years of rumors and previous allegations regarding Leto's conduct with younger women and fans, though he has consistently denied wrongdoing. The BBC documentary represents a formal investigation into these claims, bringing multiple accusers together publicly. The timing reflects Hollywood's continued reckoning with sexual misconduct in the post-#MeToo era, where documentaries and investigative journalism have become a primary vehicle for bringing forward allegations against prominent figures.