French director Christophe Ruggia has been handed a two-year custodial sentence after being found guilty of sexually assaulting actress Adèle Haenel when she was just 12 years old. Ruggia, now 60, will serve his time under house arrest with electronic monitoring, followed by another two years suspended, marking a pivotal moment within France's #MeToo movement.
The conviction, announced following two emotional days of court proceedings, stems from allegations made by Haenel, known for her role in the acclaimed film Portrait of a Lady on Fire. The 35-year-old actress, once regarded as one of France’s most promising talents, accused Ruggia of assaulting her over three years, beginning when she starred in Ruggia's 2002 film The Devils. Ruggia was 36 at the time.
This high-profile case unfolded after the introduction of France's #MeToo movement and has intensified discussions around sexual abuse within the film industry, particularly highlighting the vulnerabilities of child actors. Haenel alleged throughout the trial, as reported by Mediapart, which first revealed her story, the inappropriate touching occurred during visits to Ruggia’s home and claimed she was left feeling trapped by his advances.
During the proceedings, the prosecution requested Ruggia receive five years of imprisonment, citing the need for accountability for abusing his position of power. Ruggia, who continuously denied the allegations, described the accusations as 'pure lies' and insinuated Haenel’s motivations stemmed from unmet career expectations.
Haenel's bravery to come forward has been seen as groundbreaking within the industry, especially when the culture largely remained silent on such allegations. She initially brought her accusations public back in 2019, echoing her experiences as other actresses were beginning to find their voices. Her beliefs resonate with many, as she stated, 'You can’t abuse children like this. There are consequences.'
The final verdict was delivered after significant tension; Haenel left the courtroom visibly upset after telling Ruggia to 'shut up' during his testimony, which many saw as another attempt to intimidate her. Following the ruling, she received wide support from activists, underlining how important this case has been for victims of sexual violence.
Despite the rulings, Ruggia plans to appeal, with his lawyers labeling the conviction as “unjustified.” This reaction echoes the sentiment of those within the industry who have circled the wagons around figures accused of misconduct, remaining ambivalent to the impact on survivors.
Haenel's stances against the normalization of sexual misconduct do not end with this case. She made headlines by walking out of the César Awards ceremony when Roman Polanski was awarded Best Director, advocating for accountability within the film industry. Polanski's history of abuse has evoked severe reactions, highlighting the systemic failures of industry standards.
Furthering her withdrawal from the industry, Haenel has announced her retirement from acting, citing her disillusionment with it. She expressed deep frustrations about the collective complacency prevalent among industry figures when it concerns predators. 'I’ve tried to change something from within, but I don't want to be part of this dark, sexist, and racist world anymore,' she wrote.
The ramifications of Ruggia's case are immense, encouraging other victims to share their experiences. The discussions surrounding consent and abuse have seen oppressing silence break, and the impact of Haenel’s testimony has stirred the courage among survivors across the sector.
Also noteworthy is the social movement this case has sparked: actors like Judith Godrèche have also begun sharing their own instances of abuse during the trial, illustrating the widespread nature of the issue within the industry.
Ruggia’s conviction is among the first major consequences for sexual assault accusations within French cinema, sending ripples already seen fostering greater awareness and necessary change. Haenel's transition to focusing on theatre work offers her the opportunity to promote her vision free from the burdens of film-making, which she perceives as tainted.
This case is historic: it may well be the key to shifting how the French film industry addresses sexual misconduct. Haenel’s fight—as powerful as the fundamental changes she advocates—has been about lifting the veil over years of abuse to bring forth much-needed accountability.