Multiple Accusations of Sexual Harassment Against Filmmaker Eduard Cortés
A growing scandal has emerged surrounding filmmaker Eduard Cortés, known for his work on popular Spanish series such as Merlí and Ni una más, as 27 women have stepped forward with accusations of sexual harassment against him. The allegations span across various social media platforms, reporting instances where the acclaimed director allegedly offered job opportunities conditional on sexual favors.
Among the reported victims is photographer Silvia Grav, who ignited the controversy with her public accusations. "This man contacted me when I was 19 and he was 55, promising to help me professionally," Grav revealed on her Instagram, shedding light on her personal experience. She shared past conversations with Cortés she deemed inappropriate, including solicitations for nude modeling and sexual acts under the pretense of film auditions.
Many of the women interviewed, including artists like Eva Fàbregas and actresses such as Norah Alexandra Vega, documented similar experiences, describing how they were approached by Cortés through platforms like Fotolog, Facebook, and Instagram. The accounts detail how he would commend their work or talent before swiftly pivoting to inquiries about their comfort level with nudity, often under the guise of being involved in promising film projects.
Significantly, some of the women were minors at the time they were contacted, raising serious concerns about the dynamics of power and manipulation at play. "He would assure us we had considerable potential, yet the nature of his offers often concealed ulterior motives," said Vega.
The allegations came to light on October 26, 2022, when Grav publicly shared her experiences. This prompted numerous women to come forward, uniting their voices on social media against Cortés’ alleged predatory behavior. This collective outcry has since burgeoned, igniting conversations about the systemic issues of sexual harassment within the film industry.
Impactfully, Cortés admitted to contacting various women over the years for his projects but has categorically denied any allegations of explicit proposals for sexual exchanges. "These conversations were hypothetical, aimed at establishing creative connections, not direct requests for sexual acts," he stated through email communications.
Despite his denial, the testimonies comprise extensive evidence, including timeline-backed conversations from 2007 through to the present. The messages reveal not only requests for nudity but also hints at grooming behaviors, which were shared with El País by several victims.
Interestingly, after the allegations began surfacing, the Catalan Film Academy announced plans to launch an investigation due to Cortés’ association as a member. Yet as details emerged, Cortés opted to resign, stalling any potential inquiry from the Academy and leaving many women feeling forgotten by the very institutions meant to support them.
Numerous women involved have sought legal counsel to file complaints but face significant financial barriers, with legal fees reaching approximately 850 euros each for initiating claims. This cost factor has been described by said victims as prohibitive, reflecting the wider challenges faced by those aiming to hold powerful individuals accountable.
Many of the accused women express feelings of isolation and disappointment, with cultural institutions providing little to no support as they navigate this complex ordeal. "Initially, we hoped for collective action and justice, but the silence from organizations professing to help has been disheartening," conveyed Vega.
More than 15 women are now contemplating going public with their experiences and pursuing formal complaints against Cortés. They have been seeking legal advice and collecting evidence since this summer, motivated by Grav’s initial testimony and the supportive community established by their shared experiences.
The public discourse surrounding these accusations has not just highlighted individual sufferings but has also drawn attention to the broader problem of sexual harassment within the entertainment industry, as many call for systemic changes to protect upcoming talent.
Cortés’ filmography includes numerous critically acclaimed projects; most recently, Ni una más explored themes of sexual violence. The alleged disconnect between his onscreen advocacy and the alleged behind-the-scenes misconduct has led to divided opinions among fans and the film community.
Calls for thorough investigation and accountability echo throughout social media as victims assert the importance of breaking the silence on systemic abuse of power. "It’s time for the system to stop shielding those who take advantage of their position," insisted Vega.
The accusations against Eduard Cortés reflect not only personal violations but also broader cultural patterns of neglect, intimidation, and silence surrounding sexual harassment. The discourse surrounding the allegations is expected to fuel reforms and push for healthier working environments for women throughout the film industry.
