Dominique Besnehard Criticizes Actresses' Behavior in French Cinema Sexual Violence Inquiry at National Assembly on March 13, 2025, Involving Depardieu and Weinstein
Dominique Besnehard Criticizes Actresses' Behavior in French Cinema Sexual Violence Inquiry at National Assembly on March 13, 2025, Involving Depardieu and Weinstein
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Dominique Besnehard, a prominent figure in French cinema as a former agent, actor, and producer, and the creator of the series 'Dix pour cent', was questioned by a parliamentary inquiry commission at the French National Assembly on March 13, 2025, regarding sexual violence in the film industry. With 50 years in the industry and at 71 years old, Besnehard criticized the behavior of actresses who have accused Gérard Depardieu and Harvey Weinstein of rape, suggesting that some actresses may have overstepped boundaries in their interactions with these figures.
Besnehard specifically mentioned actress Charlotte Arnould, who has accused Depardieu of rape at his home, questioning the appropriateness of her visiting an actor's residence for acting lessons. He also referenced his experiences with Weinstein, claiming to have seen actresses go to the producer's hotel room in Cannes, possibly in hopes of advancing their careers in the U.S. He noted his past collaboration with Jean-Claude Brisseau, who was accused of sexual harassment before his death in 2019, and praised the courage of actresses like Nathalie Baye, Isabelle Adjani, Isabelle Huppert, and Noémie Kocher, who have resisted such propositions.
The testimony led to a heated exchange with Sandrine Rousseau, the president of the inquiry commission, who challenged Besnehard's views. He responded defensively, asserting that he belonged to 'the old world' and that the moralizing needed to stop. Despite his criticisms, Besnehard acknowledged the importance of the #MeToo movement, stating it was crucial as it made ignorance of such issues no longer tenable. He also mentioned his support for Depardieu, influenced by his daughter Julie Depardieu, and noted that actors Jean Dujardin, Gilles Lellouche, Jean-Paul Rouve, Pio Marmaï, and Pierre Niney were either absent or requested closed sessions during their testimonies.
“If it's my trial, I'm going to size up”: agent Dominique Besnehard questions the behavior of actresses, intense exchange with Sandrine Rousseau https://t.co/abzRkFtZH5
Dominique Besnehard was heard on Thursday at the National Assembly by the commission of inquiry into sexual violence in cinema.
Taken over by the president, Sandrine Rousseau, Dominique Besnehard lost her composure.
➡️ https://t.co/9rZX5c7uyw https://t.co/yPLADxzXtl
