
A French court has found film director Christophe Ruggia guilty of sexually assaulting actress Adèle Haenel when she was a teenager. The verdict, delivered on Monday, includes a four-year sentence—two years under house arrest and the rest suspended. This ruling marks a milestone in France’s response to the #MeToo movement, which gained global momentum in 2017 but faced significant pushback in the country.
The case has drawn widespread attention as one of the first major trials in French cinema to address sexual misconduct allegations since the #MeToo movement began. Haenel, now a well-known actress, accused Ruggia of inappropriate behavior during her early years in the industry.
The court’s decision underscores the growing accountability in the entertainment world, even in regions where cultural attitudes have historically made such cases difficult to prosecute. It also highlights the lasting impact of #MeToo, encouraging more survivors to come forward with their stories.
This story is still developing, so stay tuned for updates as more details emerge.