Ron Jeremy: ex-porn star's rape trial collapses

A judge has ruled that former porn actor Ron Jeremy is mentally incompetent to stand trial, in a case that included rape and sexual assault counts involving 21 women.

The case outlined the allegations that Jeremy committed 34 counts of sexual assault over the past 20 years – 12 of them were rape accusations.

The case has been on the brink of collapsing for several months. Court proceedings in Los Angeles were suspended last year after Jeremy’s lawyer, Stuart Goldfarb, claimed he wasn’t able to recognise him. Earlier this month it was reported that Jeremy had "severe dementia” and could not spell his own name.

The judge said Jeremy, who is now 69-years-old, could not face any charges as he was in a state of "incurable neurocognitive decline".

Ron Jeremy (legal name Ronald Hyatt), entered the porn industry in the 1970s and featured in numerous titles, soon becoming one of the most recognisable actors in the porn. He's credited with over 2,000 films.

He has stood accused of sexually assaulting women between the ages of 15 to 51. Prosecutors have claimed that Jeremy assaulted 21 women from 1996.

The alleged attacks took place at bars and nightclubs in Los Angeles and at Jeremy's home. It wasn’t until he was first charged in June 2020 for raping three women (between 2014 to 2019) that more allegations surfaced. He has remained in prison since.

Jeremy denies all 34 counts of sexual assault against him and has vowed to clear his name, according to The BBC.

In August 2020, Jeremy wrote on Twitter: "I can't wait to prove my innocence in court! Thank you to everyone for all the support."

Jeremy’s charges stemmed from an investigation into the sexual misconduct within the entertainment industry, after reports of Harvey Weinstein and the #MeToo movement. Jeremy was one of few men charged, along with Weinstein – who was convicted of rape and sexual assault.

Goldfarb, who still represents Jeremy, said: "Two years have passed and with the additional discovery I received I believed he would have been found innocent. It is unfortunate due to mental condition he will not go to trial and have the opportunity to clear his name."

Greg Risling, a spokesperson for the district attorney's office, said a hearing to determine Jeremy's placement will be held on 7 February. The court will make the decision as to where Jeremy will be placed while his criminal case is pending.