Franck Gastambide, the well-known actor and director, finds himself embroiled in serious allegations of sexual, physical, and psychological violence. An investigation published by Mediapart on February 21, 2025, reveals shocking accounts from six women, including former partners and co-stars, who claim to have suffered various forms of harassment and intimidation during their interactions with him.
The investigation uncovers harrowing stories, particularly from actress Marion Séclin, who is the only one among the accusers to go public with her identity. She recounts troubling incidents on the set of Le Débarquement back in 2013, stating, "He began to rub his sex against my hand," reflecting the seriousness of her experiences. This was not merely a one-off occurrence; Séclin describes how Gastambide, later during the film shoot, blocked her path and demanded affection with disturbing remarks, including, "You have the same look as a girl who sucks, except you’ve got it all day." Such accounts have raised alarms about the culture of silence and intimidation faced by women within the industry.
Alongside Séclin, several anonymous accusers have reported equally disturbing behaviors. These women allege acts of harassment and emotional manipulation, claiming Gastambide created uncomfortable work environments where they felt pressured and unsafe. Witnesses cited by Mediapart corroborate these claims, illustrating the pervasive nature of the alleged misconduct. Kevin Razy, who was present during the filming, emphasized how Séclin felt unsafe and described Gastambide's behavior as inappropriate and persistent.
Further testimonies reveal the breadth of Gastambide's alleged abusive behavior. Three of the accusers, former partners of the actor, shared experiences of physical and psychological control, including incidents of being confined and berated. "During disputes, I held their wrists to avoid harm," Gastambide claims, trying to redefine his actions during heated arguments. A participant referred to the situation as one where Gastambide would leverage emotional manipulation, describing him as possessive and controlling.
The actor has publicly denied the allegations made against him, portraying himself as the victim of jealousy and slander. After the Mediapart report went live, he took to social media to express his frustration, stating, "These accusations arise from the malice of individuals motivated by jealousy and frustration. I have spent five hours answering the journalists’ questions, providing thorough documentation to refute these claims." He insists he has worked with more than one hundred women over his career with no issues, and he adds, "During this investigation, I provided numerous pieces of evidence to support my claims of being victimized."
Gastambide acknowledges having made "bad jokes" and exhibiting uncomfortable behavior at times, which he admits caused offense. He reflects on previous relationships, where he describes himself as unwittingly embroiled in accusations without any intention to harm. Some critics and supporters alike wonder about the effects of the current media scrutiny following the #MeToo movement, highlighting the delicate balance between victim advocacy and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, it is noteworthy to mention there have been no formal charges filed by the accusers. Each woman involved is still grappling with the repercussions of sharing their stories within the industry, where issues of power dynamics and silence persist. Gastambide has yet to face any legal action, and as the investigation evolves, discussions about accountability and cultural change continue to surface.
The revelations about Franck Gastambide serve as another reminder of the long-standing issues of harassment and abuse within the entertainment world. With the testimonies from multiple women aligning, the call for greater scrutiny and support systems for victims of domestic and sexual violence has never been more urgent. This investigation adds to the growing list of high-profile cases pushing for changes in workplace environments, urging industries to prioritize safety and respect for all individuals.