PARIS.- He director French film director Christophe Ruggia will go on trial in December on charges of sexually assaulting the actress Adele Haenel when he was a minor, sources close to the case said today – August 3.
The trial at the Paris criminal court is scheduled for December 9 and 10. Ruggia is accused of sexually assaulting the actress in the early 2000s, when he was about 30 and she was 11.
In a court document seen by AFP, the investigating magistrate said Haenel’s accusations were accurate and consistent and that the actress had suffered psychological consequences from the alleged assaults.
Sexual harassment by the director
According to the document, the considerable age difference between Ruggia and Haenel and the psychological control that the director exercised over the young actress, thanks to his position of authority, are potentially aggravating circumstances.
Ruggia denies the charges but admits making mistakes. His lawyers declined to comment today. AFP was also unable to contact Haenel’s lawyers.
This case is part of a series of revelations about sexual assaults committed in the world of cinema and entertainment in France.
Ruggia, now 59, was indicted in 2020.
According to the complaint of Haenel, who is now 35 years old, the director subjected him to sexual harassment constant from the age of 12 to 15, including forced kisses on the neck and touching.
Ruggia directed the actress in the 2002 film Les Diables (The Devils)his first film role.
Source: AFP
