French film industry faces #MeToo allegations ahead of Cannes

As the 81st Cannes Film Festival approaches, speculation is intensifying in the French media and local film industry.

Rumors are spreading that an important #MeToo revelation is going to come out on the opening day of the festival.

For several weeks, discussions have been ongoing within the French film community, suggesting an imminent wave of #MeToo allegations before and during the upcoming festival.

This speculation coincides with the recent resurgence of the #MeToo movement in France, which was triggered by actress and filmmaker Judith Godreche’s public disclosure of alleged sexual abuse she had with director Benoît Jacquot as a teenager. Had faced exploitation, who has denied the allegations.

Although the veracity of these rumors remains uncertain, an article published by Le Figaro last weekend, titled “#MeToo: Ahead of the Cannes Film Festival, the cinema industry is in a cold sweat,” has fueled further speculation.

The investigative report hinted at the possibility that about a dozen prominent French directors, actors and producers could face public charges in the coming days, although specific names were not disclosed.

Le Figaro also revealed that Cannes Film Festival President Iris Knobloch has hired the services of an undisclosed crisis management PR firm to assist her in dealing with any potential controversy during the event.

According to the report, Knobloch, a former Warner Bros. executive and trained lawyer, is exercising an abundance of caution, with the festival team and crisis management firm actively devising strategies to address potential allegations on a case-by-case basis.

In-spite of this there is a time limit Despite requests for comment, the Cannes Film Festival has not yet responded.

The festival lacks official protocols regarding dealing with guests accused of sexual harassment and abuse.

As Le Figaro reports, possible actions could include removing films from the competition or revoking invitations to walk the red carpet for accused professionals, depending on the seriousness of the allegations.