French lawmakers have condemned "pervasive" misconduct in the entertainment industry following a prolonged investigation into sexual harassment, during which numerous celebrities and individuals disclosed experiences of intimidation and attacks.
The investigation, initiated by Green Party feminist member of parliament Sandrine Rousseau, was prompted by accusations made by Judith Godrech against two French filmmakers for allegedly mistreating her during her teenage years.
In a conclusive critical report obtained by AFP before its public release on Wednesday, the investigation indicted the entertainment industry as a "machine for crushing talent" and proposed 86 recommendations aimed at enhancing protection for performers and minors working on sets.
"Moral, sexist, and sexual violence within the cultural sector is systematic, widespread, and enduring," stated Rousseau, after leading six months of hearings that included testimonies from 350 individuals across the film, theater, and television industries.
The report comes after the sexual assault trial of renowned actor Gerard Depardieu last month. He stands as the most prominent individual to be criminally accused since the emergence of the #MeToo movement, which prompted women to share their experiences with abuse.
In 2017, #MeToo faced public opposition from certain individuals within France’s film industry upon its initial emergence. Among them was actress Catherine Deneuve, who viewed it as an overly censorious American concept that promoted unverified claims being made public.
Facing allegations from roughly a dozen women, Depardieu received support from 60 filmmakers and artists who signed a 2023 petition backing him. Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron referred to him as an "iconic actor" whose work brings pride to France.
Depardieu refutes the accusations and stated at his trial that he "had great affection" for women and did not qualify as a "molester." The judgment is expected on May 13.
The report challenges the common belief in France that acts of misconduct by prominent cultural icons can be justified due to their artistic contributions.
“What about the 'cultural exception,' though? At what cost?” it questions.
"In our nation, there exists a worship of talent and creative brilliance," said Erwan Balanant, a centrist member of parliament who serves on the committee, in an interview with AFP.
– Saying ‘no’ –
Several prominent French celebrities, such as Juliette Binoche, Jean Dujardin, and Pierre Niney, consented to appear before the parliamentary investigation. However, these testimonies typically took place in private sessions and occasionally under conditions ensuring confidentiality.
One of the most compelling statements was delivered by Godreche, at the age of 53, as she vehemently criticized the "impunity" prevalent in the film sector and condemned the "inactivity" of its prominent figures.
"The actress, known for her roles in 'The Spanish Apartment,' 'The Man in the Iron Mask,' or 'Potiche' featuring Depardieu, stated that not a single individual from her former connections in the film industry—who held influential positions—has reached out to her following her public statement," she remarked.
In November, fellow actress Sara Forestier revealed that she had often told directors "no" when they attempted to pressure her into sleeping with them and warned that refusing would result in losing their roles.
"Until the day I said 'no' one time too many — and faced the consequences," she recounted, sharing how she had to depart from a photoshoot in 2017 following an alleged incident where she was reportedly hit by an actor, subsequently identified as Nicolas Duvauchelle.
— Overstepping the bounds? —
Jean Dujardin, who won an Oscar in 2012 for his role in "The Artist," acknowledged that certain male actors may not have spoken out against misconduct previously, however, he noted that perspectives are evolving.
"We might not perceive everything — and maybe we prefer it that way," Dujardin, who is 52 years old, stated, as reported in a transcript released earlier this month.
He mentioned that "the statements we make today are not the same as those from 10 or 15 years ago, and they will differ again in another decade... I believe that sexist responses and awkward comments are slowly fading away."
In late March, seasoned talent agent Dominique Besnehard contested certain statements made by actresses regarding sexual misconduct, which resulted in a confrontation with Rousseau, who alleged that he had made "offensive comments."
"When I was an agent, I witnessed some actresses crossing the line somewhat. Going to a hotel with a director isn't appropriate," Besnehard stated.
Gilles Lellouche, a highly respected French actor known for voicing Obelix in the Asterix movies, shared an incident about a female director who attempted to "flirt" with him.
"I didn't experience a violent assault — it involved things like hands under my shirt. If I had done the same to a woman, it would not have been acceptable," he stated.
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