Cannes, France – French actor Théo Navarro-Mussy has been prohibited from attending the premiere of the film “Case 137,” marking a significant moment within the #MeToo era at the Cannes Film Festival.
Festival director Thierry Fremer confirmed to Télérama, a French publication, that Navarro-Mussy will not participate in the red carpet event for “Case 137” (“Dossier 137”) this Thursday.
According to Télérama, Navarro-Mussy faced allegations of rape from three former partners across 2018, 2019, and 2020. Last month, the case was dropped due to insufficient evidence, although he intends to appeal the decision concerning the three women.
“Since there is an appeal, the investigation is still ongoing,” Fremer noted in the magazine. “Things may change once a final legal decision is reached.”
Navarro-Mussy’s representatives have not provided immediate comments, and the Cannes Film Festival highlighted their intent to clarify Fremer’s remarks to Télérama.
Marion Pouzet-Gagliardi, the lawyer for Navarro-Mussy, mentioned to Télérama that this decision signifies a shift at Cannes. The festival has, at times, faced criticism for featuring individuals accused of sexual misconduct. Nevertheless, some believe that the festival is adapting to changes, particularly as the #MeToo movement influences the French film sector.
This year’s Cannes commenced just hours following a suspended sentence for actor Gérard Depardieu due to sexual assault. When questioned about his sentence, Cannes judge Juliette Binoche commented that the festival reflects current social and political dynamics.
Binoche stated, “The festival has made progress in response to what’s happening today. The #MeToo movement has taken time to solidify. Our response has become notably pronounced recently.”
On Thursday, the French producer of “Case 137” revealed they were alerted to the situation last week.
“Although these allegations largely stem from before the film’s production, the individual involved has agreed to refrain from associating Cannes with the film, respecting both the plaintiff’s right to dignity and the defendant’s presumption of innocence,” the company emphasized in a statement.
