French Court Finds Director Christophe Ruggia Guilty in #MeToo Landmark Case

In a significant ruling for France’s #MeToo movement, a French court on Monday convicted filmmaker Christophe Ruggia of sexually assaulting actress Adèle Haenel between the ages of 12 and 15 in the early 2000s.

The court sentenced Ruggia, 60, to two years under house arrest with an electronic bracelet, along with a two-year suspended sentence. The ruling stated that Ruggia abused his position of power over the young actress, isolating her from loved ones while engaging in inappropriate behavior during regular meetings at his home.

Despite the conviction, Ruggia denied any wrongdoing.

Haenel’s Courage and the #MeToo Impact

Adèle Haenel, now 35, was one of the first major French actors to call out the country’s film industry for ignoring sexual abuse, following the global #MeToo movement. In 2019, she publicly accused Ruggia of repeatedly touching her inappropriately during and after the filming of Les Diables (The Devils).

Her bravery has since inspired conversations about power abuse in the entertainment industry. After the verdict, Haenel was seen breathing deeply in relief, as women’s rights activists applauded her outside the courtroom.

France’s #MeToo Reckoning

While Hollywood has made significant strides since the Harvey Weinstein scandal, France has often been criticized for its slow response to sexual misconduct allegations in the entertainment sector. This verdict signals a growing shift in accountability, reinforcing that no one is above the law—no matter how powerful they are.

Haenel’s fight for justice is a victory for survivors and a wake-up call for the French film industry. Will this verdict encourage more victims to speak up? Time will tell, but one thing is clear—silence is no longer an option.