A French magistrate has ordered film director Christophe Ruggia to stand trial on charges of sexually assaulting an actor when she was a minor, sources close to the case said on Saturday. The trial at the Paris criminal court, set for December 9 and 10, follows allegations that Ruggia sexually assaulted actor Adele Haenel in the early 2000s when he was in his mid to late 30s and she was under 15.

In a court document seen by AFP, the investigating magistrate said Haenel's accusations were "precise and consistent" and that she had suffered psychological consequences from the assaults. Potentially aggravating circumstances were the considerable age difference between Ruggia and Haenel, and the "psychological control" that the director progressively exercised over the young actor thanks to his position of authority.

Ruggia has denied all the charges against him, although the director admits to committing "errors". His lawyers declined to comment on Saturday. AFP was unable to reach Haenel's lawyers.

The Ruggia case is one of a string of revelations that have prompted new questions about sexual violence in French society, particularly in the artistic world. Ruggia, now 59, was initially charged in 2020 over the accusations.

- Other cases -

Haenel, now 35, lodged a complaint against Ruggia after accusing him of subjecting her to "constant sexual harassment" from the age of 12 to 15, including "forced kisses on the neck" and touching. Ruggia directed her in the 2002 movie "The Devils", her first film role.

The accusations stunned the French film industry, which has been slower than Hollywood to react to the #MeToo movement turning the spotlight on sexual abuse in the arts. But in recent months police and investigating magistrates have turned their attention to a string of allegations.

Cinema legend Gerard Depardieu, 75, put his career on hold last autumn after accusations against him, all of which he denies. He is to stand trial in October accused of sexually assaulting two women, and also risks a second trial after he was charged in 2020 with the rape of an actor in 2018 when she was 22 and anorexic.

And actor Judith Godreche said earlier this year two French directors -- Benoit Jacquot and Jacques Doillon -- had sexually abused her when she was a teenager.

Godreche accused Jacquot of raping her during a six-year relationship that started when she was 14 and he was 25 years her senior. She accused Doillon of sexually abusing her when she was 15.

In July, a magistrate charged 77-year-old Jacquot for allegedly raping two other actors. Jacquot 80-year-old Jacques Doillon were detained in July for questioning over the alleged sexual abuse of much younger actresses who starred in their films -- charges both have denied.

And the head of France's top cinema institution, Dominique Boutonnat, stepped down in July after he was convicted of sexually assaulting his godson in 2020.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
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A French magistrate has ordered film director Christophe Ruggia to stand trial on charges of sexually assaulting an actor when she was a minor, sources close to the case said on Saturday.

A French magistrate has ordered film director Christophe Ruggia to stand trial on charges of sexually assaulting an actor when she was a minor, sources close to the case said on Saturday. The trial at the Paris criminal court, set for December 9 and 10, follows allegations that Ruggia sexually assaulted actor Adele Haenel in the early 2000s when he was in his mid to late 30s and she was under 15. In a court document seen by AFP, the investigating magistrate said Haenel's accusations were "precise and consistent" and that she had suffered psychological consequences from the assaults. Potentially aggravating circumstances were the considerable age difference between Ruggia and Haenel, and the "psychological control" that the director progressively exercised over the young actor thanks to his position of authority. Ruggia has denied all the charges against him, although the director admits to committing "errors". His lawyers declined to comment on Saturday. AFP was unable to reach Haenel's lawyers. The Ruggia case is one of a string of revelations that have prompted new questions about sexual violence in French society, particularly in the artistic world. Ruggia, now 59, was initially charged in 2020 over the accusations. - Other cases - Haenel, now 35, lodged a complaint against Ruggia after accusing him of subjecting her to "constant sexual harassment" from the age of 12 to 15, including "forced kisses on the neck" and touching. Ruggia directed her in the 2002 movie "The Devils", her first film role. The accusations stunned the French film industry, which has been slower than Hollywood to react to the #MeToo movement turning the spotlight on sexual abuse in the arts. But in recent months police and investigating magistrates have turned their attention to a string of allegations. Cinema legend Gerard Depardieu, 75, put his career on hold last autumn after accusations against him, all of which he denies. He is to stand trial in October accused of sexually assaulting two women, and also risks a second trial after he was charged in 2020 with the rape of an actor in 2018 when she was 22 and anorexic. And actor Judith Godreche said earlier this year two French directors -- Benoit Jacquot and Jacques Doillon -- had sexually abused her when she was a teenager. Godreche accused Jacquot of raping her during a six-year relationship that started when she was 14 and he was 25 years her senior. She accused Doillon of sexually abusing her when she was 15. In July, a magistrate charged 77-year-old Jacquot for allegedly raping two other actors. Jacquot 80-year-old Jacques Doillon were detained in July for questioning over the alleged sexual abuse of much younger actresses who starred in their films -- charges both have denied. And the head of France's top cinema institution, Dominique Boutonnat, stepped down in July after he was convicted of sexually assaulting his godson in 2020. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

French director accused of abusing underage actor to stand trial

Following French actress Adèle Haenel's announcement of her departure from the French film industry, Thierry Fremaux, the chief of the Cannes Film Festival, has responded by rejecting her criticisms. Haenel had accused French director Christophe Ruggia of sexually harassing her over a span of years, claiming that Cannes and other pillars of the French film industry are willing to protect their abusive leaders.

Fremaux strongly disagreed with Haenel's remarks, stating that they were "clearly untrue." He highlighted the festival's increased representation of films directed by women this year and its decision not to screen Woody Allen's latest film.

"In my life, I abide by a single principle," Fremaux stated. "It is the freedom to think, the freedom to express oneself, and the freedom to act within the confines of the law."

Haenel's criticisms have reignited discussions surrounding the #MeToo movement at the Cannes Film Festival, one of the world's oldest and most prestigious film festivals. Harvey Weinstein, a prominent presence in Cannes for many years, was accused of several instances of sexual abuse that reportedly occurred during the festival.

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Historically, Cannes has had a low representation of female filmmakers in its esteemed competition lineup. In 2018, 82 women staged a protest on the Cannes red carpet, and the following year, Fremaux signed a pledge committing to strive for greater gender parity.

This year, a record-breaking seven films directed by women are part of the 21 movies in competition. Fremaux emphasised that this reflects the increasing prominence of female filmmakers worldwide.

Fremaux also defended the festival's decision to screen Jeanne du Barry,&nbsp;the opening night film starring Johnny Depp. This film marks Depp's return to the screen after a highly publicised trial with his ex-wife Amber Heard, where both parties accused each other of physical and verbal abuse. Depp was awarded $10 million in damages and Heard received $2 million in a settlement reached in December.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cannes-2023-the-indian-representation-at-this-years-film-festival-592686">Cannes 2023: The Indian representation at this year's film festival</a>

“To tell you the truth, in my life, I only have one rule, it’s the freedom of thinking, the freedom of speech and the freedom to act within a legal framework,” he said.

Fremaux's statements come at a time when Cannes faces increased scrutiny for its handling of sexual misconduct allegations. The festival has faced criticism for its past association with Weinstein and its delayed response to the #MeToo movement.

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Following French actress Adèle Haenel's announcement of her departure from the French film industry, Thierry Fremaux, the chief of the Cannes Film Festival, has responded by rejecting her criticisms.

Following French actress Adèle Haenel's announcement of her departure from the French film industry, Thierry Fremaux, the chief of the Cannes Film Festival, has responded by rejecting her criticisms. Haenel had accused French director Christophe Ruggia of sexually harassing her over a span of years, claiming that Cannes and other pillars of the French film industry are willing to protect their abusive leaders. Fremaux strongly disagreed with Haenel's remarks, stating that they were "clearly untrue." He highlighted the festival's increased representation of films directed by women this year and its decision not to screen Woody Allen's latest film. "In my life, I abide by a single principle," Fremaux stated. "It is the freedom to think, the freedom to express oneself, and the freedom to act within the confines of the law." Haenel's criticisms have reignited discussions surrounding the #MeToo movement at the Cannes Film Festival, one of the world's oldest and most prestigious film festivals. Harvey Weinstein, a prominent presence in Cannes for many years, was accused of several instances of sexual abuse that reportedly occurred during the festival. Historically, Cannes has had a low representation of female filmmakers in its esteemed competition lineup. In 2018, 82 women staged a protest on the Cannes red carpet, and the following year, Fremaux signed a pledge committing to strive for greater gender parity. This year, a record-breaking seven films directed by women are part of the 21 movies in competition. Fremaux emphasised that this reflects the increasing prominence of female filmmakers worldwide. Fremaux also defended the festival's decision to screen Jeanne du Barry, the opening night film starring Johnny Depp. This film marks Depp's return to the screen after a highly publicised trial with his ex-wife Amber Heard, where both parties accused each other of physical and verbal abuse. Depp was awarded $10 million in damages and Heard received $2 million in a settlement reached in December. Also Read: Cannes 2023: The Indian representation at this year's film festival “To tell you the truth, in my life, I only have one rule, it’s the freedom of thinking, the freedom of speech and the freedom to act within a legal framework,” he said. Fremaux's statements come at a time when Cannes faces increased scrutiny for its handling of sexual misconduct allegations. The festival has faced criticism for its past association with Weinstein and its delayed response to the #MeToo movement. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Cannes chief rejects Adèle Haenel's criticisms over French film industry's #MeToo response

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French director accused of abusing underage actor to stand trial

Cannes chief rejects Adèle Haenel's criticisms over French film industry's #MeToo response