In a groundbreaking moment for the French film industry, a commission of inquiry into violence within the cultural sector is set to release its report on April 9, 2025. This inquiry has gathered harrowing testimonies from actresses who have bravely shared their experiences of abuse and harassment, shedding light on a pervasive culture of silence and fear.
Among the actresses who have come forward are Sara Forestier, Anna Mouglalis, and Nina Meurisse, each recounting traumatic incidents that have marked their careers. The inquiry was initiated following a call from actress Judith Godrèche, aimed at addressing violence in cinema, television, live performance, fashion, and advertising.
During the hearings, which have included both public and closed sessions, hundreds of individuals from the cultural sector, including notable figures like Jean Dujardin, Gilles Lellouche, and Jean-Paul Rouve, have provided testimonies. The commission is chaired by Sandrine Rousseau, a member of the National Assembly, who emphasized that the testimonies presented are merely the "tip of the iceberg" regarding the issues faced in the industry.
One particularly shocking testimony came from Sara Forestier, who described a distressing experience during her first casting at the age of 13. "I started my career saying 'no' when I was asked to remove my underwear and throw it into another character's plate during a supposedly comedic scene in a short film. I said no and walked away," she recalled. This early encounter set a troubling precedent for her subsequent experiences.
At the age of 15, while filming her first feature film, L'Esquive, Forestier faced another unsettling situation. A stagehand, significantly older than her, expressed his desire to engage in sexual acts with her. "I was shocked," she stated, highlighting the inappropriate behavior she encountered as a young actress.
Forestier's ordeal did not end there. She later recounted being slapped by actor Nicolas Duvauchelle while on set, an incident that occurred shortly after she had been released from the hospital following an internal hemorrhage related to an ectopic pregnancy. According to Forestier, the film crew attempted to dissuade her from filing a complaint about the incident, even going so far as to accuse her of having struck the actor first. "They managed to silence me. Psychologically, it was like another blow. I was literally on my knees in my living room, sobbing—I still see that image and it hurts to think about it. I wanted to die," she confessed, revealing the profound impact these experiences had on her mental health.
Anna Mouglalis also shared her traumatic experiences during the inquiry. She described a film shoot where she was required to perform a scene that involved being naked above a man. "I was told not to worry about the camera angle, but I refused to do it because it would expose me completely. Despite my objections, the scene was ultimately included in the final cut of the film and even featured in the trailer," Mouglalis recounted, expressing her frustration over the lack of respect for her boundaries.
In another instance, Mouglalis revealed that while filming, she was physically assaulted by an actor who, along with the crew, had been drinking since breakfast. "When the actor hit me, the director simply said, 'Let's keep filming!'" she recalled, highlighting the dismissive attitude towards her safety and well-being.
Nina Meurisse's testimony was equally harrowing. She recalled filming a scene at just 10 years old, where an actor jumped on her, grabbed her chest, and attempted to lift her dress. "I was frozen, having never even kissed a boy before this incident," she shared, emphasizing the trauma of being subjected to such behavior at a young age.
Meurisse later faced another disturbing situation as a young adult, when she was required to simulate oral sex with an older man who refused to wear a robe between takes. She described being forced to her knees and verbally abused during the scene, with the actor slapping her and demeaning her throughout the process. "I was in tears, completely paralyzed. The director and crew found it moving, and we had to do it again because it would look good for the film," she said, illustrating the troubling normalization of such abusive practices in the industry.
The testimonies provided to the commission have sparked outrage and concern within the French cultural sector, with many calling for systemic changes to prevent such abuses from occurring in the future. As the report is set to be unveiled, it is anticipated that it will not only document the personal experiences of these actresses but also serve as a catalyst for broader discussions about safety and respect in the film industry.
As the report's release approaches, the voices of Forestier, Mouglalis, Meurisse, and many others who have shared their stories will be crucial in shaping the future of the cultural sector in France. Their courage in speaking out highlights the urgent need for accountability and reform, ensuring that such abuses are no longer tolerated in the industry.
With the spotlight now on the issue of violence and harassment in the cultural sector, it is hoped that the findings of the commission will lead to meaningful changes that protect artists and promote a safer working environment for all.
