French authorities detained renowned film directors Benoit Jacquot and Jacques Doillon on Monday for questioning regarding allegations of sexual abuse, according to sources close to the case.
The accusations, led by actor and director Judith Godreche, include claims of rape against Jacquot and sexual assault against Doillon, dating back to incidents when Godreche was a minor. She alleges a manipulative relationship with Jacquot that began when she was just 14 years old, spanning several years into the early 1990s. Another actor, Isild Le Besco, has also accused Jacquot of rape during a relationship that started when she was 16.
Both directors have denied the allegations. They were seen arriving at a Paris police station accompanied by their lawyers, emphasizing their presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
The detention of Jacquot and Doillon comes amidst growing scrutiny of the French film industry’s handling of sexual abuse allegations. Godreche’s accusations have sparked renewed debate and action within the industry, leading to parliamentary measures to investigate sexual and gender-based violence in cultural sectors.
The case has highlighted broader issues within French cinema, echoing similar accusations against other prominent figures, including Gerard Depardieu. Godreche, now a prominent figure in France’s #MeToo movement, has called for systemic changes and oversight within the industry to address such allegations effectively.
The investigation continues as authorities seek to confront the accused directors with the allegations made against them, marking a pivotal moment in France’s reckoning with abuse in the entertainment sector.
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