CANNES, France (AP) — The Cannes Movie Competition barred French actor Théo Navarro-Mussy from attending the premiere of the competitors entry “Case 137,” in what’s believed to be a primary for the pageant within the #MeToo period.
Competition director Thierry Fremaux confirmed to the French journal Télérama that Navarro-Mussy wouldn’t be allowed to attend the pink carpet premiere of “Case 137″ (“File 137” in France) on Thursday night time at Cannes. He has a supporting function within the movie.
Télérama reported that Navarro-Mussy was accused of rape by three former companions in 2018, 2019 and 2020. The case was dropped final month resulting from lack of proof, however Télérama reported the three girl plan to attraction.
“It is because there is an appeal, and therefore the investigation is still active, that the case is not suspended,” Fremaux told the French magazine. “When a legal decision becomes final, the situation changes.”
Representatives for Navarro-Mussy did not instantly reply to requests for remark. Representatives for the Cannes Movie Competition referred inquires to Fremaux’s feedback to Télérama.
Navarro-Mussy’s legal professional, Marion Pouzet-Gagliardi instructed Télérama: “I’ve obtained no data indicating that any proceedings are ongoing. This proposed criticism with civil occasion standing has, to my data, not been legally filed.”
The choice marks a shift for the Cannes Movie Competition, which has typically been criticized for welcoming males accused of sexual misconduct. However some say now that the pageant is evolving because the #MeToo motion has made belated inroads into the French movie trade.
This 12 months’s Cannes opened hours after French actor Gerard Depardieu was discovered responsible of sexual assault and handed a 18-month suspended jail sentence. When requested concerning the Depardieu verdict, Juliette Binoche, Cannes jury president, mentioned that “the festival is following this trend in social and political life.”
“The festival is in step with what’s happening today,” Binoche mentioned. “#MeToo took a while to realize energy. We reacted very strongly just lately.”
On Thursday, the French manufacturing firm of “Case 137,” Haut et Courtroom, mentioned it final week obtained a warning concerning the state of affairs.
“Even though the allegations largely predate the production of the film, we agreed with the festival management that the person in question will not accompany the film to Cannes, out of respect for the plaintiffs and their right to be heard, while also respecting the presumption of innocence of the accused,” the corporate mentioned in an announcement.
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