Updated: March 7, 2021
A well known French movie director, Luc Besson, who has produced nearly 100 films and written and directed many of them, has been accused of drugging and raping an actress in a Paris hotel, French authorities have said.
Besson is best known for his 1988 film “Le Grand Bleu,” as well as the ’80s films “Subway” and “The Fifth Element.” He was the president of the Cannes Film Festival jury in 2000.
The reports came as the Cannes Film Festival was wrapping up. Accusations of sexual misconduct and inequality in the movie industry have been prominent themes at the festival this year, reported New York Daily News.
Besson has denied any wrongdoing, but an unidentified 27-year-old actress filed a complaint on Friday morning accusing the award-winning director of drugging her tea and sexually abusing her while she was knocked out, according to Europe 1.
Europe 1 quoted the actress as alleging that she woke up in the hotel room with memories that she was touched and penetrated.
She said that Besson had exited the hotel room before her and left behind a wad of cash.
“The 59-year-old “Valerian” director did not respond to a Europe 1 request for comment, but an attorney for the director/producer told the news organization that Besson fell off his chair upon hearing of the complaint’s existence.
“He acknowledged being in contact with the actress from time to time, but denied drugging or raping her.
“Besson has been married four times. Most recently to film producer Virginie Silla, whom he wed in 2004,” New York Daily News reported.
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