Two prominent French arthouse film directors, Benoit Jacquot and Jacques Doillon, have been detained by French authorities over accusations of sexual abuse. The allegations date back to the 1980s and both directors deny them. Some of the accusations come from actor Judith Godreche, who has accused Jacquot of rape and Doillon of sexual assault when she was a minor.
Other actors have also filed complaints against both directors, including Isild Le Besco and Julia Roy. Godreche has been a leading voice in France’s #MeToo movement, calling for changes in the film industry to address sexual abuse.
The directors’ lawyers argue that their clients should not have been detained for questioning and maintain their innocence until proven guilty. The prosecutor’s office has confirmed their detention but notes that they are presumed innocent for the time being.
In light of these allegations, French lawmakers created a commission to investigate sexual and gender-based violence in the film industry. Cinema legend Gerard Depardieu is also facing legal troubles for sexual assault, with a trial scheduled for October.
The detention of Jacquot and Doillon underscores the ongoing reckoning in the French film industry with issues of sexual abuse and harassment. The #MeToo movement has gained momentum in France, leading to increased scrutiny of powerful figures in the industry.
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