**French actress Adèle Haenel expresses her anger and pain during the trial against filmmaker Christophe Ruggia, accusing him of historical sexual abuse. The courtroom exchanges reflect broader systemic issues within the film industry regarding sexual harassment and accountability.**
**Adèle Haenel Stands Firm as Trial Unfolds Against Alleged Abuser**
**Adèle Haenel Stands Firm as Trial Unfolds Against Alleged Abuser**
**Trial of Christophe Ruggia: Haenel's Emotional Confrontation Highlights Ongoing Issues in French Cinema**
In a dramatic courtroom scene, French actress Adèle Haenel, 35, confronted filmmaker Christophe Ruggia, 59, as he defended himself against accusations of sexually assaulting her during her childhood. The incident occurred when Ruggia claimed he was merely attempting to "protect" Haenel during her rise to fame; infuriated, she shouted for him to "shut up" before dramatically leaving the courtroom. Ruggia stands accused of assaulting Haenel between 2002 and 2005, starting when she was only 12 years old, while he was in his late 30s.
The prosecutor in the case has requested a sentence of two years under house arrest for Ruggia. He vehemently denies the charges and labels them as "pure lies," alleging that Haenel seeks vengeance due to her not being cast in further projects after her role in his 2002 film, *Les Diables*. However, Haenel recounts a history of manipulation and emotional control from Ruggia, claiming he forced her into compromising situations in the name of art without any protection.
Haenel’s experiences, which include accusations of physical touch that escalated to sexual advances, have led to her departure from the French film industry, which she cited as "complacent" towards sexual predators. She previously revealed her trauma in a 2019 interview with Mediapart, stating that revelations from the *Leaving Neverland* documentary prompted her decision to speak out.
Investigative reports reveal a troubling pattern of behavior from Ruggia on set, as other crew members corroborated claims of an unsettled atmosphere. Charges against Ruggia document that he continued to meet with Haenel regularly after filming wrapped, purportedly for acting lessons, where he allegedly assaulted her further. Investigators found disturbing writings on Ruggia's computer, praising Haenel's "overflowing sensuality" when she was just a child.
After severing ties with him, Haenel struggled with severe depression for over a decade. Reflecting on her relationship with Ruggia, she spoke candidly about feeling "dirty" and suicidal while under his influence. Ruggia conceded to having made "errors" in his conduct but downplayed their severity, ultimately attributing his actions to a misguided form of enthusiasm for her talent.
During the trial, prosecutor Camille Poch emphasized the credibility of Haenel’s accusations and strongly criticized Ruggia’s attempt at defense. Haenel's courageous decision to take a stand has sparked significant discourse within the industry, aligning with other high-profile cases of alleged misconduct, including accusations against actors Gérard Depardieu and directors Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon.
As this pivotal trial continues, with a verdict anticipated on 3 February, Haenel's plea for €30,000 in moral damages and €31,000 for psychological treatment encapsulates her ongoing fight for justice and recognition of her suffering.
The prosecutor in the case has requested a sentence of two years under house arrest for Ruggia. He vehemently denies the charges and labels them as "pure lies," alleging that Haenel seeks vengeance due to her not being cast in further projects after her role in his 2002 film, *Les Diables*. However, Haenel recounts a history of manipulation and emotional control from Ruggia, claiming he forced her into compromising situations in the name of art without any protection.
Haenel’s experiences, which include accusations of physical touch that escalated to sexual advances, have led to her departure from the French film industry, which she cited as "complacent" towards sexual predators. She previously revealed her trauma in a 2019 interview with Mediapart, stating that revelations from the *Leaving Neverland* documentary prompted her decision to speak out.
Investigative reports reveal a troubling pattern of behavior from Ruggia on set, as other crew members corroborated claims of an unsettled atmosphere. Charges against Ruggia document that he continued to meet with Haenel regularly after filming wrapped, purportedly for acting lessons, where he allegedly assaulted her further. Investigators found disturbing writings on Ruggia's computer, praising Haenel's "overflowing sensuality" when she was just a child.
After severing ties with him, Haenel struggled with severe depression for over a decade. Reflecting on her relationship with Ruggia, she spoke candidly about feeling "dirty" and suicidal while under his influence. Ruggia conceded to having made "errors" in his conduct but downplayed their severity, ultimately attributing his actions to a misguided form of enthusiasm for her talent.
During the trial, prosecutor Camille Poch emphasized the credibility of Haenel’s accusations and strongly criticized Ruggia’s attempt at defense. Haenel's courageous decision to take a stand has sparked significant discourse within the industry, aligning with other high-profile cases of alleged misconduct, including accusations against actors Gérard Depardieu and directors Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon.
As this pivotal trial continues, with a verdict anticipated on 3 February, Haenel's plea for €30,000 in moral damages and €31,000 for psychological treatment encapsulates her ongoing fight for justice and recognition of her suffering.
