Eduard Cortés, the acclaimed filmmaker known for his work on productions like 'Merlí' and 'Ni una más', is facing grave sexual harassment allegations from 52 women within the film industry, igniting widespread outcry and calls for reform. The shocking revelations began when Sílvia Grav, speaking on behalf of the victims, made their accusations public, prompting others to come forward with similar claims.
According to reports, the allegations span over 17 years, from 2007 to 2024, involving 27 women who have accused Cortés of soliciting sexual favors under the pretext of offering roles or work opportunities. These claims have surfaced as part of a concerted effort by the victims to bring attention to the pervasive issues of abuse and harassment within Hollywood and Spanish cinema.
Grav stated, "We feel the need to point out the cracks we have witnessed within society, the industry, and the legal system,” highlighting the herculean task of maintaining the momentum of their claims amid institutional inadequacies. She stressed the need for protocols to go beyond mere formation of commissions—telling the public, 'Abuse should not depend on the aggressor's rank.' This commentary resonates deeply with victims who believe the current structures are insufficient to support their plight.
Despite the support from entities like the Acadèmia del Cinema Català and feminist organizations such as Aspacia, victims feel let down by the lack of progress on their grievances through formal channels. They criticize existing protocols as outdated and ineffective, particularly lamenting the difficulties of pursuing legal action when many abuses occurred out of sight of formal contracts. "It is imperative for the penal code to be updated so workplace abuses can be punished effectively," Grav asserted.
The sticker shock of litigation also weighs heavily on many victims, as pursuing justice through the courts often requires resources they may not possess. The statement articulates how many victims feel public denunciation serves as their last resort for justice, stating, "Public denunciations are also complaints, and they represent, for many of us, the only way to break the silence.”
Research on Cortés' behavior indicates he allegedly exploited his influence within the industry by contacting potential victims through social media, inviting them to private discussions under the guise of professional collaboration. Reports suggest he would then request inappropriate images or engage in sexting—slyly framing them as part of the creative process.
While Cortés continues to deny these allegations, asserting his interactions were part of creative dialogues, the gravity of the claims has led at least 15 women to take legal action against him, thereby intensifying scrutiny over how such cases are handled within the cultural sector.
With the backdrop of these accusers stepping forward, the industry reveals it's deeply divided. Some organizations have initiated internal investigations amid public calls for reform, yet many remain skeptical about effective change. The film director was also involved with the series 'Terra Alta', produced by Movistar Plus+ and Secuoya Studios, which is still slated for release. The platform has yet to comment on how the allegations might affect the premiere.
The accusations not only spotlight Cortés but also highlight the larger, systemic issues of harassment prevalent within the film sector as victims rally for justice and structural changes. This incident has reinvigorated discussions surrounding abuse within the entertainment industry and the necessity for protective measures, creating ripples of concern and urgency to push for accountability and change.
