French Court Hears Harrowing Testimony in Adèle Haenel vs. Christophe Ruggia Trial

Adèle Haenel accuses filmmaker Christophe Ruggia of sexual assault during her adolescence, as the prosecution seeks a five-year sentence with two years of firm imprisonment.

Adèle Haenel, 35, testified in a Paris court about alleged sexual assaults by Christophe Ruggia during her teenage years, stemming from their work on the 2002 film 'Les Diables.'
The prosecution has requested a five-year prison sentence for Ruggia, with two years of firm imprisonment and restrictions on working with minors for ten years.
Haenel described Ruggia's alleged actions as a pattern of grooming and inappropriate behavior, which she endured due to feelings of isolation and dependence on him as a mentor figure.
Ruggia denies all allegations, characterizing his relationship with Haenel as paternal and accusing the judicial process of bias influenced by media coverage of the case.
The court's verdict is scheduled for February 3, 2025, as the trial has reignited discussions about abuse in the film industry and the broader #MeToo movement in France.

Le Journal du Dimanche