A French court on Monday, 3 February, 2025 sentenced film director, Christophe Ruggia to two years under house arrest with an electronic bracelet, plus a two-year suspended sentence, for sexually assaulting actress Adèle Haenel when she was between 12 and 15 in the early 2000s.
In what is described as #MeToo landmark trial in France, the court ruled that Ruggia “took advantage of the dominant position” he had over Haenel at the time.
“During quasi-weekly meetings at your home for over three years, you had sexualised gestures and attitudes,” as Haenel was “gradually isolated” from her loved ones, the court said in a statement.
But Ruggia, who is now 60 years old, denied any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, Haenel, now 35, was the first top actor in France to accuse the film industry of turning a blind eye to sexual abuse after the #MeToo movement broke out.
In 2019, Haenel accused Ruggia of having repeatedly touched her inappropriately during and after the filming of the movie Les Diables [The Devils] in the early 2000s.
She appeared relieved, breathing deeply, as Monday’s verdict was being announced.
Haenel was applauded by some women’s rights activists as she left the courtroom.
