Yet another rape charge in entertainment.
On Wednesday, renowned arthouse film director Benoit Jacquot was formally investigated for rape by an examining magistrate, marking a significant development in France’s #MeToo movement. The Paris prosecutor’s office announced the investigation, which involves serious allegations from multiple women against the 77-year-old director.
#Metoo cinema: French film director Benoît Jacquot charged with rape
French film director Benoit Jacquot has been charged with raping actors Isild Le Besco and Julia Roy in a significant #MeToo case that has rocked French cinema. pic.twitter.com/Q234AQOEFi
— Emeka Gift Official (@EmekaGift100) July 4, 2024
Jacquot is under investigation for the alleged rape of actors Julia Roy and Isild Le Besco. Roy, now 34, claims the assault occurred in 2013, while Le Besco, now 41, alleges incidents between 1998 and 2000. Following two days of questioning in custody, Jacquot has been released but remains under judicial supervision as the investigation continues.
The case gained momentum after Judith Godreche, 52, filed a complaint earlier this year, accusing Jacquot of raping her during a relationship that began in the 1980s when she was just 14 years old. At that time, Jacquot was 25 years her senior. Godreche’s allegations prompted further scrutiny of Jacquot’s past relationships and conduct.
Le Besco’s complaint details alleged rapes during her underage relationship with Jacquot. Similarly, Julia Roy accused the director, who is 42 years her senior, of sexual assault within a violent and morally coercive context that persisted for several years. Roy acted in four of Jacquot’s films released between 2016 and 2021, highlighting the professional and personal overlap in their relationship.
French prosecutors have requested director Benoît Jacquot be charged with the rape and sexual assault of several actresses, according to a Le Monde report.
More details: https://t.co/qAVMQ8Km3V pic.twitter.com/OXIuQ1s6st
— IndieWire (@IndieWire) July 3, 2024
These revelations have brought significant attention to Jacquot, who is known for his contributions to arthouse cinema. The accusations and formal investigation underscore the ongoing impact of the #MeToo movement in France, as more individuals come forward to share their experiences of abuse and seek justice.
The legal proceedings against Jacquot are part of a broader societal reckoning with sexual misconduct in the film industry and beyond. The investigation’s outcome will be closely watched as it may influence how similar cases are handled in the future, potentially encouraging more survivors to speak out.
As the investigation proceeds, Jacquot’s career and legacy face intense scrutiny. The allegations from Godreche, Le Besco, and Roy paint a disturbing picture of abuse of power and exploitation within the film industry. The judicial process will determine Jacquot’s legal culpability, but the court of public opinion is already forming its verdict.
French prosecutors ask for rape charges against film director Benoît Jacquot – Actors Isild Le Besco and Julia Roy filed complaints for alleged attacks dating back to the late 90s https://t.co/buLtev4CVl pic.twitter.com/gNrmD4RV56
— George Roussos (@baphometx) July 3, 2024
Major Points:
- Renowned arthouse film director Benoit Jacquot is under formal investigation for rape by an examining magistrate in France.
- The allegations involve actors Julia Roy and Isild Le Besco, with incidents reportedly occurring in 2013 and between 1998 and 2000, respectively.
- Judith Godreche, another actor, filed a complaint earlier this year, accusing Jacquot of raping her during a relationship that began when she was 14.
- Julia Roy accused Jacquot of sexual assault in a context of violence and moral coercion over several years; she starred in four of his films between 2016 and 2021.
- The investigation highlights the ongoing impact of the #MeToo movement in France, as more survivors come forward with allegations of abuse.
Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
