Four women have come forward this week accusing actor and musician Jared Leto of criminal sexual conduct, alleging inappropriate behavior when they were teenagers and he was significantly older. The claims were detailed in a recent BBC documentary, stirring renewed scrutiny of Leto’s personal conduct.

One accuser, Grace Akers, now 41, described interactions with Leto beginning when she was a teenager and he was in his 30s and 40s. Akers recalled rejecting his advances and leaving after feeling uncomfortable, but said Leto then sent her persistent and increasingly explicit messages. She recounted receiving a provocative selfie from Leto that included a hotel room number and an invitation to meet, which she dismissed by replying that he had contacted the wrong person. Akers emphasized that although Leto was not physically violent in their interactions, his refusal to accept her refusal demonstrated what she perceives as a pattern of aggressive entitlement.

The other three women who spoke in the documentary offered further serious allegations. One said she was sexually assaulted by Leto in a motel bathroom at age 17, while another claimed Leto threatened her with sexual assault when she was 19. A third accuser accused him of statutory rape in California after engaging in sexual activity with her while she was underage, further asserting that Leto disregarded legal concerns regarding the age of consent. The final accuser alleged grooming behavior and repeated sexually explicit phone calls made while she was 16, including suggestions of sexual activity.

These revelations come amid reports that Leto has retained prominent attorney Alex Spiro. A legal source familiar with the matter indicated that Spiro’s involvement suggests Leto is preparing for potential legal exposure, and noted claims against the actor have been made previously, with some settled quietly to avoid public disclosure.

Leto is widely known as the lead singer of the band Thirty Seconds to Mars and has received critical acclaim for his acting, including an Academy Award for his portrayal in “Dallas Buyers Club.” Despite his professional accomplishments, rumors about his conduct with younger women have circulated in recent years.

Raised by a single mother, Leto and his brother Shannon, the band’s drummer, experienced modest beginnings before achieving fame. Leto has been publicly linked to several high-profile figures and was most recently reported to be in a relationship with model Thet Thinn, following a prior relationship with Russian model Valery Kaufman.

Akers, who owns a salon in Michigan and is a mother of two, urged greater attention to validating victims and addressing such allegations. “Bringing to light this type of behavior and validating victims is something everyone should get behind,” she said.

Attempts to reach Leto and his representatives for comment have not been successful. The developing story continues to draw attention to issues of consent and accountability within the entertainment industry.