French film director Luc Besson is to be treated as an assisted witness in the court case over allegations that he raped an actress, a judge ruled Monday, reports FRANCE 24.
The case is the second brought against the “Fifth Element” director by the Dutch-Belgian actress Sand Van Roy, who has accused Besson, 60, of repeatedly raping her over a two-year period.
In France, assisted witness status indicates that a judge considers there is some evidence to suggest culpability, but not enough to charge the suspect.
The person can be charged at a later date if further evidence emerges against them.
Van Roy initially filed a rape claim against Besson in May 2018, a day after meeting him at the Bristol luxury hotel in Paris.