French film director Christophe Rougier, 60, was convicted on February 3 for sexually assaulting actress Adele Ener when she was a teenager. The Paris criminal court found Rougier guilty of using his dominant position to exploit and harass Ener over three years, resulting in public outrage and drawing attention to broader issues of sexual violence within the film industry.
Rougier's conviction marks a significant moment for the #MeToo movement, which gained momentum following Ener's revelations. According to reports from Le Monde, the court sentenced Rougier to four years in prison, two of which are to be served under house arrest with an electronic bracelet. They also mandated him to pay Ener 35,000 euros (about $56,000) for damages and psychological treatment.
Adele Ener, now 35, first spoke out publicly about her experiences with sexual harassment from Rougier during the promotion of her debut film, Chloe's Dream, back in November 2019. This film, released in 2002, centers on siblings seeking their family after being abandoned. Ener portrayed one of the leads and alleged she faced persistent harassment at the hands of Rougier during the film’s production.
During the trial, Rougier maintained his innocence and claimed Ener was lying, stating, “There is no exact recollection after more than 20 years, but nothing special occurred.” Nonetheless, the court concluded there was sufficient evidence to substantiate Ener’s claims.
This case has sparked renewed discussions within the French film community about the need for reform to address sexual misconduct seriously. After the allegations surfaced, Ener became increasingly vocal about the culture of silence surrounding abuse in the industry. She famously protested at the César Awards ceremony in 2020 when Roman Polanski, embroiled in several sexual assault allegations, won the Best Director award.
Following her allegations against Rougier and her activism at the César Awards, Ener announced her retirement from the film industry in May 2023, criticizing the industry for failing to adequately address sexual violence.
The trial and its outcome have been perceived as pivotal moments for both Ener and the #MeToo movement's progress within France. Legal expert Jacques Moreau stated, “This verdict not only recognizes Ener’s suffering but also sets a legal precedent for addressing sexual violence against women, particularly for vulnerable young women.”
Reactions from the public have been overwhelmingly supportive of Ener, with many applauding her bravery for coming forward. Social media users and activists have expressed hope this conviction will encourage others to share their stories of abuse and hold their perpetrators accountable.
The entire episode serves as not only a judiciary victory for Adele Ener but also as part of the larger cultural shift taking place, demanding accountability and transparency from powerful figures within the entertainment industry. Although Rougier has indicated plans to appeal the verdict, the impact of this case will resonate within the film community and society at large.