A Paris court has convicted filmmaker Christophe Ruggia of sexually assaulting actress Adèle Haenel when she was a minor, during an influential trial linked to the #MeToo movement. Ruggia, 60, was sentenced on February 3, 2025, to four years, with two years under house arrest using an electronic bracelet, while two years are suspended. This landmark ruling is significant as it is one of the first major cases in the French film industry since the #MeToo movement gained momentum in recent years.

Haenel, now 35, accused Ruggia of repeatedly touching her inappropriately when she was between the ages of 12 and 15 while filming "Les Diables" (The Devils) in the early 2000s. Her public allegations began in 2019, where she boldly stated that the industry failed to address the ongoing issues of sexual abuse, a revelation that shocked many in France's cinematic community.

The court noted that Ruggia exploited his “dominant position,” detailing how Haenel was gradually isolated during their interactions, with many of those meetings presented as innocent film rehearsals. The prosecutor emphasized that Ruggia's actions inflicted long-term psychological damage on Haenel. Following the verdict, she was met with applause from women’s rights advocates, reflecting a broader support for her courage.

Despite his conviction, Ruggia has denied all wrongdoing and expressed plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the case relied heavily on the victim’s testimony without concrete evidence. His lawyer, Fanny Colin, stated that the grounds for his sentencing raised concerns about judicial fairness.

Haenel's activism extends beyond her own case; she has been critical of the French film industry's empty reassurances regarding sexual abuse, famously walking out of the César Awards in 2020 when Roman Polanski was honored despite his accusations of statutory rape. In 2023, she announced her departure from the cinema work entirely, revealing her disdain for the industry's complicity with abusers.

The ruling has ignited renewed discussions about the treatment of women in French cinema, with fellow actresses like Judith Godrèche expressing their solidarity with Haenel. Godrèche herself has faced her own battles, alleging abuse by other prominent figures in the industry.

As the French film community navigates the aftermath of the verdict, it faces increased scrutiny over the handling of sexual misconduct claims. Ruggia is not alone in facing legal issues as other industry veterans come under scrutiny for similar allegations, including actor Gérard Depardieu, who is set to appear in court on related charges.

The trial of Ruggia and the testimony of Haenel mark a turning point in addressing sexual abuse within the French entertainment sector, suggesting a pivotal shift towards accountability. (For more details, visit Le Monde or AP News).