The defense of Carloto Cotta has decided to forgo the preliminary phase in his case, which involves nine charges including rape and kidnapping, leading it to proceed to trial. The proceedings will soon be submitted for trial after being assigned to a group of judges who will set its commencement date.
The charges include rape, kidnapping, physical assault, threats, and insults against a woman whom the actor allegedly held captive for over a day in a house in Colares, Sintra.
It is noteworthy that the preliminary phase is optional and is meant to demonstrate if the evidence collected by the Public Prosecutor is insufficient for a conviction.
From “shopping” to being trapped at home: What happened?
The incident came to light at the end of February, after which the Public Prosecutor elaborated on the investigation. It was revealed that Carloto Cotta and the 40-year-old victim met at a shopping mall in January 2023 and exchanged messages for five months.
They eventually met at the actor’s home, and upon entering, “the accused locked the door.” With the woman inside the house, the suspect “expressed his intent for a sexual encounter,” which the victim declined, requesting to leave. However, the actor allegedly proceeded with “sexual advances, culminating in assault and violation of the victim.”
Beyond the rape and assaults, the actor reportedly threatened the victim with death, even going to “the kitchen to fetch a knife.”
The Public Prosecutor disclosed the nine crimes for which the actor is being accused.
Posted on 16:29 – 28/02/2025
At that point, the woman managed to reach a window, from which she “jumped into the public street” seeking help, resulting in “bruises, contusions, and scratches” on her body due to the “actions of the accused.”
Carloto Cotta, who holds French nationality but has lived in Portugal for several years, is a well-known actor recognizable from his roles in soap operas, films, theater plays, and international series, such as Netflix’s ‘Elite.’ In 2009, he starred in João Salaviza’s film ‘Arena,’ which won the Palme d’Or for short films at the Cannes Film Festival.
