accused by 10 actresses of forced kisses and inappropriate gestures, the producer reacts

This Tuesday, April 9, France Info published an investigation denouncing the “inappropriate” behavior of Philippe Lioret, the director of I’m fine, don’t worry released in 2006 or even Welcome released in 2009. He is accused of having made “forced kisses” and to have made gestures “inappropriate” towards 10 actresses. These acts would have taken place in particular during the castings of the film All our desires released in theaters in 2011.

“Once outside, as we return to our respective vehicles, he tries to kiss me on the mouth”, confided Hélène Seuzaret to whom the producer would have given private lessons to get the role. According to her, it is a “abuse of power”. Marie Gillain, the actress who finally got the role, explained that “the carnal attitude” by Philippe Lioret had embarrassed her and that there was “a feeling of unease” during casting. Another actress even said: “Philippe Lioret told me: ‘I would like to see your chest. I have to see it if I have to film it.” before indicating: “There was something that was unhealthy, that was not necessary, you don’t hire an actress for her breasts but for her acting”. Faced with these accusations, the screenwriter spoke out.

Philippe Lioret reacts to the accusations of the 10 actresses

Questioned by France Info, Philippe Lioret wanted to react. He told the media: “I have never felt like I was trying to take advantage of anyone in my entire life.” As for her lawyer, Me Solange Dumic, she also spoke on the subject by declaring: “Philippe Lioret has always been very personally involved in castings. It’s really his thing. He seeks to get the best out of the actors and actresses who pass the tests. So, it’s him who gives them the answers.”

She then stated: “In the casting of All our desires, he chose a scene of tenderness because it is crucial. Today, if actresses feel offended, Philippe Lioret is deeply sorry. He obviously didn’t realize it at all.” before adding: “That he could have tried to seduce is entirely possible. But he always stopped when he found himself faced with a refusal.”.

Accusations of other actresses towards Philippe Lioret

In addition to the actresses who passed the casting of All our desires, other actresses accused the director. “He started to be very pushy. He put his mouth on my neck, he was short of breath, I was very uncomfortable. I pulled away and he said to me: “But do you want to do it or do you not want to do it?” said Élodie Frenck who played the bride in Mademoiselle released in 2001.

“He did not rape me, he did not kiss me by force, but he abused his status as an actor’s director,” further explained another actress, Emilie Deville. Another actress who played in one of the screenwriter’s first films also said that he had kissed her without her consent. “I remained petrified”she explained before confiding: “At that time, I didn’t think it was sexual assault. But today, looking back, I think it was one of them”.

Lahéla

Lahéla doesn’t like jeans or t-shirts, she comes to the editorial office in dresses and heels. This editorial where she snoops on the web and social networks…