Paris, France – Two acclaimed French filmmakers, Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon, have been placed in police custody for questioning regarding allegations of historical sexual abuse. The news came to light when actress Judith Godrèche accused Jacquot of raping her as a child, while also accusing Doillon of sexually assaulting her during her childhood.
Both Jacquot and Doillon voluntarily appeared at the Regional Directorate of the Judicial Police (DRPJ) in Paris on Monday in response to the accusations. However, they have vehemently denied the allegations, with their legal representatives denouncing their detainment.
According to French law, individuals can be held in police custody for up to 48 hours for questioning. The timing of the allegations, with Godrèche filing a complaint against Jacquot in 1986 for an incident that allegedly occurred in 1986 when she was 14, has raised questions about the delay in bringing these accusations to light.
Godrèche claimed that Jacquot had an unhealthy influence over her during a relationship that extended into the 1990s. She also accused Doillon of sexual assault while working on one of his films. The allegations have prompted a joint investigation earlier this year.
In response to the custody measure, Godrèche took to Instagram to express her feelings, posting a picture of herself as a teenager with Jacquot alongside a heartfelt caption. The actress, known for her roles in Jacquot’s and Doillon’s films, has been a prominent figure in the industry, starring in various acclaimed films over the years.
As the investigation unfolds, the French film industry is grappling with the impact of these allegations on the reputations of two renowned filmmakers. The case highlights the ongoing conversation around sexual abuse and misconduct in the entertainment industry, shedding light on the complexities of addressing such issues from both a legal and social standpoint.