Cannes bars actor from premiere over sexual assault allegations in a shift for the pageant – Firstpost

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 position 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 as a result of lack of proof, however Télérama reported the three lady plan to attraction.

“It’s as a result of there may be an attraction, and due to this fact the investigation remains to be lively, that the case will not be suspended,” Fremaux advised the French journal. “When a authorized determination turns into closing, the state of affairs adjustments.”

Representatives for Navarro-Mussy didn’t 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 advised Télérama: “I’ve acquired no data indicating that any proceedings are ongoing. This proposed criticism with civil social gathering standing has, to my information, 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 pageant is following this development in social and political life.”

“The pageant is consistent with what’s taking place as we speak,” Binoche mentioned. “#MeToo took a while to achieve energy. We reacted very strongly just lately.”

On Thursday, the French manufacturing firm of “Case 137,” Haut et Court docket, mentioned it final week acquired a warning concerning the state of affairs.

“Although the allegations largely predate the manufacturing of the movie, we agreed with the pageant administration that the individual in query is not going to accompany the movie to Cannes, out of respect for the plaintiffs and their proper to be heard, whereas additionally respecting the presumption of innocence of the accused,” the corporate mentioned in a press release.