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The courtroom turned into a scene straight out of a tense drama as acclaimed French actress Adèle Haenel stormed out of director Christophe Ruggia's trial, yelling at him to "shut up." The confrontation marked another chapter in Haenel's fight for justice against the man she accused of sexually assaulting her as a child.
Ruggia, now 59, stands accused of molesting Haenel during the filming of 'Les Diables' when she was just 12 years old. He denies the allegations, calling them "pure lies" and accusing Haenel of seeking revenge for not being cast in future films.
Prosecutors, however, are convinced of his guilt. "He made the choice to sexually assault her," prosecutor Camille Poch stated, emphasizing the credibility of Haenel's claims. Haenel alleges Ruggia manipulated her, isolating her from her family and using his power to control her under the guise of "film lessons."
Haenel's boldness in speaking out has highlighted systemic issues within the French film industry. Since her accusations, several other prominent figures have faced similar allegations, including Gérard Depardieu. Despite the backlash, Haenel remains resolute, stating that her fight is about more than herself—it's about dismantling the culture of silence.
As the trial nears its February verdict, Haenel's bravery continues to inspire many. In her own words, "It's time the industry stopped calling abuse 'art.'"
