Dominique Besnehard Addresses Cinema Misconduct in French Assembly Hearing
The former agent discusses allegations against Gérard Depardieu and the broader impact of the #MeToo movement on the film industry.
Dominique Besnehard, a prominent figure in the French cinema industry for over fifty years, appeared before the French parliamentary commission investigating violence in cinema.
Throughout his testimony, Besnehard characterized himself as part of "the old world" and engaged in discussions surrounding the alleged misconduct of various figures in the industry, notably actor Gérard Depardieu, who is facing accusations of rape from actress Charlotte Arnould.
During the hearing, Besnehard was questioned about his support for Depardieu, to whom he had previously offered his backing through a petition, citing a personal connection through Depardieu's daughter, Julie.
In addressing the allegations from Arnould, he critiqued her behavior, suggesting that theatrical classes should not take place in personal residences, implying that this purportedly questionable conduct undermined her credibility.
Depardieu has been formally charged in connection with this case, and prosecutors have requested a trial.
He expressed regret about how he perceives Depardieu has changed following the death of his son in 2008, stressing the notion of presumption of innocence.
The hearing also explored the much-publicized case of Harvey Weinstein, whose fall from grace in 2017 empowered the global #MeToo movement.
Besnehard claimed to have observed actresses engaging in questionable behavior during his tenure as an agent, asserting that some willingly entered situations that could be interpreted as compromising in their quest for career advancement.
He recounted instances from Cannes where actresses visited Weinstein in hotel rooms, suggesting this involvement was driven by ambition.
Acknowledging the courage of actresses who rejected such overtures, Besnehard pointed to notable figures such as Nathalie Baye and Isabelle Adjani as examples of integrity within the industry.
Despite his critical remarks about certain actresses, he recognized the significance of the #MeToo movement, stating that it has addressed long-ignored issues and allowed discussions about inappropriate behavior to emerge.
The tension escalated during the proceedings when Sandrine Rousseau, the president of the commission, challenged Besnehard, who responded with visible frustration.
This exchange represented one of the most heated moments in the commission's history, which has been collecting testimonies from numerous cultural and cinematic authorities over the past month.
Rousseau emphasized the need to uphold the rights and dignity of individuals in the industry, pointing out that complacency has cost the industry valuable talent.
The commission aims to address these pressing issues and deliver its recommendations within the next month, as it continues to reveal the layers of misconduct entrenched in the cinematic world.
Throughout his testimony, Besnehard characterized himself as part of "the old world" and engaged in discussions surrounding the alleged misconduct of various figures in the industry, notably actor Gérard Depardieu, who is facing accusations of rape from actress Charlotte Arnould.
During the hearing, Besnehard was questioned about his support for Depardieu, to whom he had previously offered his backing through a petition, citing a personal connection through Depardieu's daughter, Julie.
In addressing the allegations from Arnould, he critiqued her behavior, suggesting that theatrical classes should not take place in personal residences, implying that this purportedly questionable conduct undermined her credibility.
Depardieu has been formally charged in connection with this case, and prosecutors have requested a trial.
He expressed regret about how he perceives Depardieu has changed following the death of his son in 2008, stressing the notion of presumption of innocence.
The hearing also explored the much-publicized case of Harvey Weinstein, whose fall from grace in 2017 empowered the global #MeToo movement.
Besnehard claimed to have observed actresses engaging in questionable behavior during his tenure as an agent, asserting that some willingly entered situations that could be interpreted as compromising in their quest for career advancement.
He recounted instances from Cannes where actresses visited Weinstein in hotel rooms, suggesting this involvement was driven by ambition.
Acknowledging the courage of actresses who rejected such overtures, Besnehard pointed to notable figures such as Nathalie Baye and Isabelle Adjani as examples of integrity within the industry.
Despite his critical remarks about certain actresses, he recognized the significance of the #MeToo movement, stating that it has addressed long-ignored issues and allowed discussions about inappropriate behavior to emerge.
The tension escalated during the proceedings when Sandrine Rousseau, the president of the commission, challenged Besnehard, who responded with visible frustration.
This exchange represented one of the most heated moments in the commission's history, which has been collecting testimonies from numerous cultural and cinematic authorities over the past month.
Rousseau emphasized the need to uphold the rights and dignity of individuals in the industry, pointing out that complacency has cost the industry valuable talent.
The commission aims to address these pressing issues and deliver its recommendations within the next month, as it continues to reveal the layers of misconduct entrenched in the cinematic world.
