A Mediapart investigation published earlier this month revealing the acclaimed French actress Adèle Haenel’s accusations of inappropriate “touching” and of “sexual harassment” by film director Christophe Ruggia when she was a minor has rocked French cinema. Her account, which Ruggia has “categorically” denied, prompted the opening of a probe by public prosecutors, a wave of public support for her from professional organisations and figures in the French filmmaking industry, and pledges to introduce tighter regulations to crack down on sexual misconduct in the world of cinema and TV production. Haenel, now aged 30, also gave a lengthy live video interview to Mediapart, in which she spoke further about her alleged experiences and why she finally decided to speak out, presented here for the first time with English subtitles.
The initial shockwave caused by an investigation published this month by Mediapart revealing French actress Adèle Haenel’s accusations against filmmaker Christophe Ruggia of inappropriate “touching” and of “sexual harassment” of her over several years, beginning when she was aged 12, was heightened by her subsequent, emotionally charged live video interview with Mediapart, which is presented here below with English subtitles for the first time.
