French Director Christophe Ruggia Sentenced for Sexual Assault of Actress Adèle Haenel

Ruggia received a four-year sentence, including two years under house arrest, in France’s first major #MeToo trial.

Adèle Haenel accused Christophe Ruggia of sexually assaulting her between the ages of 12 and 15 during and after the filming of the 2002 movie 'The Devils.'
The Paris court sentenced Ruggia to two years under house arrest with an electronic bracelet and two years suspended, sparing him jail time.
Ruggia denied the allegations and plans to appeal the verdict, which also includes €35,000 in damages and therapy costs for Haenel.
Haenel, a prominent figure in France’s #MeToo movement, retired from acting in 2023, citing the film industry’s tolerance of sexual predators.
The case marks a pivotal moment for French cinema, which has faced growing scrutiny over allegations of sexual abuse involving high-profile figures.