Two well-known French arthouse film directors, Benoit Jacquot and Jacques Doillon, have been detained by authorities over allegations of sexual abuse in a renewed #MeToo reckoning hitting France’s film industry. The accusations against the directors, aged 77 and 80, date back to the 1980s and have been denied by both men. One actor, Judith Godreche, has accused Jacquot of rape and Doillon of sexual assault when she was a minor. Other actors have also come forward with complaints against the two directors.
The directors arrived at a Paris police station on Monday morning with their lawyers, where they are being questioned in the presence of their accusers. The lawyers argue that the directors should be considered innocent until proven guilty and that there was no need for their detention. Despite this, the two men could potentially be held until Tuesday evening for questioning.
Godreche, who has become a leading voice in France’s #MeToo movement, expressed her emotions on Instagram, highlighting her strength to speak up. In response to the accusations and detentions, French lawmakers have voted to create a commission to investigate sexual and gender-based violence in the film industry and other cultural sectors. The recent actions against prominent figures like Dominique Boutonnat and Gerard Depardieu reflect a growing awareness and accountability for sexual abuse allegations in the French film industry.
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