Paris:
The French parliament on Thursday approved the creation of a commission of inquiry to investigate sexual and gender-based violence in the film and other cultural sectors, following several recent allegations.
The National Assembly, or lower house, unanimously agreed to set up the commission that actor Judith Godreche requested in a speech to the upper house, the Senate, in February.
The 52-year-old actor and director has become a key figure in France's MeToo movement since accusing directors Benoit Jacquot and Jacques Doillon of sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager. Both have denied the allegations.
All 52 lawmakers present at the vote approved the creation of the commission, under the watchful eye of Godreche, who was present in the public gallery in the chamber.
“It's time to stop rolling out the red carpet for abusers,” said Greens MP Francesca Pasquini.
The new commission should investigate “the situation of minors in the various sectors of film, television, theater, fashion and advertising”, as well as that of adults working in them, the commission said.
Based on Godreche's proposal, a parliamentary committee on culture decided to expand the scope of the investigation to other cultural sectors.
It is about “identifying the mechanisms and shortcomings that enable this potential abuse and violence”, “establishing responsibilities” and making recommendations.
The vote in parliament comes a day after 41-year-old actor Isild Le Besco said in an autobiography that she was also “raped” by Jacquot during a relationship that started when she was 16 but was not ready to press charges.
Godreche, on the other hand, has filed a legal complaint against the prominent arthouse director, alleging abuse that occurred during a relationship that began when she was 14 and he was 25 years her senior.
She has also formally accused Doillon of abusing her as a 15-year-old actress in a film he directed.
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