Efforts to combat sexism and sexual violence in the French film industry are intensifying, highlighted by Christophe Ruggia’s upcoming court appearance for assault allegations against Adèle Haenel. Judith Godrèche has become an outspoken critic after revealing abuse by Jacques Doillon at age 15. An investigation is ongoing, with Doillon classified as an “assisted witness.” Meanwhile, Gérard Depardieu’s trial for sexual assault is scheduled for March 2025, underscoring the industry’s urgent need for reform.
Justice Takes Action in French Film Industry
Efforts to address cases of sexist and sexual violence within the French film industry are ongoing. Following the conviction of Nicolas Bedos last October, director Christophe Ruggia is scheduled to face the Paris correctional court next Monday and Tuesday over allegations of sexual assault involving actress Adèle Haenel.
Judith Godrèche Emerges as a Voice Against Violence
In the realm of accusations, actor Gérard Darmon has also been in the spotlight. However, Judith Godrèche has become a prominent figure in the fight against sexual violence after her disclosures regarding director Benoît Jacquot. In a powerful statement, she accused Jacques Doillon of abusing her when she was just 15 years old during the filming of “La fille de quinze ans” in 1987. This revelation has led to an investigation for defamation against her.
On December 6, 2024, Jacques Doillon was summoned by the Paris prosecutor’s office as potential charges loom. Previously, he had been taken into police custody by the Minors Protection Brigade after multiple women reported rape and attempted rape, but he was later released for medical reasons.
Following extensive questioning by judges, Doillon was designated as an “assisted witness,” a status considered “more favorable,” as noted by BFM TV. This classification serves as an intermediary between being a witness and an indicted individual, signifying that evidence does not yet warrant formal charges. An “assisted witness” is someone for whom there is enough evidence to suggest possible involvement in a crime, but the proof must not be strong enough to move to indictment.
According to Me Marie Dosé, Judith Godrèche’s lawyer, the evidence against Jacques Doillon is neither serious nor consistent, and there are clear exculpatory elements. She asserts, “We have provided correspondence, emails, that highlight the lies of the civil party.” The defense further states that while discussions around consent are pertinent in some cases, they do not apply here. Judith Godrèche is not the only one raising her voice; actresses Isild le Besco and Anna Mouglalis have also come forward with accusations against the director.
Judith Godrèche has shared a poignant photo of herself at 15 on Instagram, captioning it: “A day when we invent a prayer. It is today.” As of now, she has yet to respond to the news of Doillon’s status as an assisted witness.
At the age of 80, Jacques Doillon was preparing to release a film titled “CE2,” which tells the story of a girl experiencing school bullying. The actress portraying the mother, Nora Hamzawi, has expressed her opposition to the film’s theatrical release. Known for his works such as “Les Doigts dans la tête,” “La femme qui pleure,” and “Le Petit Criminel,” Doillon is also the father of Lou Douillon, his daughter with the late Jane Birkin. In the realm of justice, the highly anticipated trial of Gérard Depardieu for sexual assault allegations is set for March 24 and 25, 2025, in Paris.