Dominique Besnehard and Sandrine Rousseau clashed during the commission of inquiry on sexual violence within the cinema, held on Thursday, March 13, 2025. The heated exchange was ignited by questions directed at Besnehard about the contentious situation surrounding actor Gérard Depardieu, who is currently facing serious allegations.
The atmosphere was tense as the inquiry, led by Rousseau, sought to address issues of sexual violence within the film industry. At one point, Rousseau referenced the controversial tribune signed by Besnehard and 55 other artists back in December 2023, which defended Depardieu against claims of harassment and violence, referring to the backlash as "lynching." Besnehard faced questioning about his past statements and what Rousseau described as "denigratory comments" about individuals speaking out.
During the intense exchange, Besnehard, known for his contributions as both producer and agent within the French film industry, reacted strongly to Rousseau’s criticisms. "But what are these denigratory comments? You're telling stories you've heard in the press," he retorted. When she pressed him on his views of Depardieu, he replied, "If this is my trial, I’m leaving right now. How long ago were those comments made? At some point, this needs to stop!" His frustration was palpable as he argued against the idea of moral judgment from his interrogators.
Rousseau attempted to guide the interview back to the broader topic of how influential voices such as Besnehard's impact conversations around the #MeToo movement. She argued, "Your voice matters. It affects the cinema world, the actors you know, the producers you work with. Your words carry weight, and when you minimize the courage of women seeking to speak out, this conveys the wrong message to the industry."
Besnehard’s involvement with the notorious tribune, which many critics regarded as lacking empathy toward those coming forward with accusations, remains controversial. After hearing Rousseau’s comments, he defensively remarked on her focus: “Is your only interest in this #MeToo topic really about Gérard Depardieu?” His insistence on bringing the conversation back to personal grievances hinted at his frustration with the scrutiny and public reproach he faced since signing the tribune.
The commission’s inquiry was initially sparked by Judith Godrèche, the actress and director who played a pivotal role in calling out abuse and stood at the forefront of the #MeToo movement in France. She highlighted the need for accountability and support for victims of sexual violence. The inquiry had already included private hearings with significant figures from the industry, including actors Jean Dujardin, Pierre Niney, and Gilles Lellouche, as they addressed these serious allegations cloaked under the shadows of glamour.
During the discussions, several accusations loomed large, especially against Depardieu, who now faces four complaints for rape and sexual assault. The tension between Besnehard and Rousseau encapsulates the conflict within the film community, as it balances legacy and accountability for past actions. The producer reflected on his controversial comments, which have painted him as not fully supportive of the movement for change. “I’m not here for the moral lesson!” he declared, visibly upset.
Rousseau responded to his outburst, reinforcing the significance of acknowledging and addressing the environment of abuse within the film industry. “We cannot let the industry protect itself from the voices of women coming forward with their experiences,” she emphasized. Her stance highlights the necessity of reevaluations within the culture of cinema, calling for reforms to address and correct systemic abuse.
The inquiry continues to broaden, with expectations on the conclusions to be presented as early as this spring by Rousseau and her colleague Erwann Balanant. They are expected to shed light on the systemic issues and present reforms to prevent future instances of abuse and harassment within the film industry.
This exchange between Besnehard and Rousseau symbolizes the fierce struggle over what accountability looks like within the arts and entertainment sector. Many voices within the French cinema community, especially women, have called for substantial, long-lasting changes to protect those who, for too long, have been silenced.
What remains to be seen is whether the inquiry will lead to significant shifts within the industry or if entrenched figures like Besnehard will continue to resist what some view as necessary progress.
The intersection of art, morality, and justice continues to challenge those involved, calling for not just reflections but actions to be taken to dismantle outdated practices and protect those who bravely choose to share their stories.