On Thursday, France’s National Assembly, or lower house of parliament, unanimously approved the creation of the commission. For the first time, the question regarding the establishment of the commission was raised by actress Judith Godreche in the Senate, the upper house of parliament, in February.
The 52-year-old actress and director has become a prominent figure in France’s MeToo movement after speaking out about sexual harassment as a teenager, which she accused directors Benoit Jacquot and Jacques Doillon. They deny these allegations.
All 52 legislators who participated in the vote supported the establishment of the commission. J. Godreche was in the meeting room during the voting.
“It’s time to stop rolling out the red carpet for abusers,” said Green Party lawmaker Francesca Pasquini.
The press release states that the new commission will examine the situation of minors and adults in the film, television, theater, fashion and advertising sectors.
Based on Mr. Godreche’s proposal, the parliamentary culture commission decided to expand its research area and investigate sexual crimes not only in cinema, but also in other cultural sectors.
The purpose of this newly established commission is to identify mechanisms and weaknesses that create conditions for possible abuses and violations, to define responsibility for violations and to make various recommendations.
The parliamentary vote came a day after actress Isild Le Besco, 41, revealed in her autobiography that she was raped by Mr Jacquot when she was 16. I. Le Besco said she was not ready to press charges against the director.
At that time, Ms. Godreche had filed a legal complaint against Mr. Jacquot for sexual assault. The actress admitted that at the age of 14 she was sexually assaulted by a director 25 years older.
I. Le Besco also formally accused Mr. Doillon of exploiting her when the actress was 15 years old in a film he was making at the time.
