French cinema figures accused of sexual abuse allegations

French authorities have detained renowned arthouse film directors Benoit Jacquot and Jacques Doillon over allegations of sexual abuse, amidst a resurgence of the #MeToo movement within France's film industry. The accusations stem from claims made by actors Judith Godreche, Isild Le Besco, and Julia Roy, detailing instances of rape, sexual assault, and misconduct dating back several years. The directors, aged 77 and 80 respectively, were taken into custody in Paris for questioning, accompanied by their legal representatives. Godreche, now 52, accused Jacquot of rape and Doillon of sexual assault during her youth, with additional claims of abuse during film projects. Le Besco alleged that Jacquot raped her over a nine-year period starting when she was 16, while Roy described experiencing sexual assault in a prolonged period of coercion and violence. The directors' lawyers have emphasized the presumption of innocence and questioned the necessity of detention for interrogation, denouncing media sensationalism surrounding the case. The detained filmmakers may face questioning in the presence of their accusers, with judicial sources indicating a potential release by Tuesday evening. The prosecutor's office affirmed the men's detention while maintaining their presumption of innocence. The unfolding events have sparked a broader conversation within the French film industry about accountability and the handling of abuse allegations, following recent high-profile cases involving prominent figures like Gerard Depardieu and Dominique Boutonnat. The latter, head of France's National Centre for Cinema, was recently convicted of sexually assaulting his godson and sentenced to three years in prison. As the investigation into the allegations against Jacquot and Doillon progresses, the industry grapples with the implications of these accusations and the broader issue of abuse within the film sector. The detained directors' legal teams continue to assert their clients' innocence while navigating the legal process, amidst a climate of heightened scrutiny and accountability for misconduct in the entertainment industry.