Director Christophe Ruggia Convicted of Sexual Assault on a Minor in Adèle Haenel Case

More than five years after Médiapart published an investigation revealing that former actress Adèle Haenel had been sexually assaulted by director Christophe Ruggia from ages 12 to 14, a verdict was reached on Monday, February 3rd. The 60-year-old man was found guilty and sentenced to four years in prison, half of which will be under electronic monitoring. In addition to his sentence, the filmmaker is also required to pay the former actress 15,000 euros for moral damages and 20,000 euros for psychological counseling over the years.

Following the announcement of his sentence, the director has decided to appeal the decision.

The French #MeToo Movement

The inappropriate behavior began during the filming of the movie “The Devils” – Adèle Haenel’s first film, released in 2002. After production ended, Ruggia continued inviting the young girl to his home almost “every Saturday afternoon“.

Adèle Haenel’s revelations caused a major stir in the French cultural world, igniting the #MeToo movement within the cinema industry, two years after the accusations against Harvey Weinstein in Hollywood.

Support from Citizens and Artists

Actresses and directors Judith Godrèche and Assa Maïga were present in the courtroom to support Adèle Haenel.

Additionally, numerous citizens gathered outside the courthouse to applaud Adèle Haenel, who has since left the film industry. Upon exiting the courtroom, she expressed her gratitude: “Thank you everyone for coming and advancing human rights with your presence.”