Famed French director Besson accused of rape
Director Besson accused in actress’ drugging-rape
“LA FEMME Nikita” director Luc Besson has been accused of drugging and raping an actress in a Paris hotel, French authorities confirmed.
He 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.
The actress said that she woke up in the hotel room with memories that she was touched and penetrated, the European station reported.
She said that Besson, who she said she’s known for years, had exited the hotel room before her and left behind a wad of cash, according to Europe 1.
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.
He married his second wife, Maïwenn Le Besco, when she was 15 after she became pregnant with their daughter Shanna. Besson was 32 at the time.
Besson has produced nearly 100 films and written and directed many of them.
He is best known for his 1988 film “Le Grand Bleu,” as well as the ’80s films “Subway” and “The Fifth Element.”
His Europa Corp. production company didn’t respond to requests for comment.
In 2000, Besson was the president of the Cannes Film Festival jury.
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.
Italian actress Asia Argento took the stage at the film festival to denounce predatory behavior by powerful men.
“Even tonight there are those that need to be held responsible for their conduct,” she said. You know who you are, but most importantly, we know who you are and we will not allow you to get away with it any longer.” She did not mention Besson. The 2018 festival ended Saturday.