France is experiencing its #MeToo moment as the entertainment industry faces scrutiny for its handling of sexual misconduct issues. While the movement gained momentum in the U.S. following high-profile cases like Harvey Weinstein, France has been slower to address these issues.
Efforts to challenge the French entertainment industry’s structure have been limited until recently. However, there are signs of change as U.S.-inspired measures such as the use of intimacy coordinators and chaperones on movie sets are becoming more common in France.
Last year, the Cannes Film Festival faced criticism for featuring a film starring Johnny Depp, who has faced abuse allegations. This year, the festival will open a sidebar with a short film titled Moi Aussi (Me Too) by actress Judith Godrèche, inspired by her own experiences of abuse.
Recent allegations against actor Gérard Depardieu, who will stand trial for sexual assault charges, have also fueled outrage and contributed to France’s delayed #MeToo movement.
Activists emphasize that the battle against sexual misconduct is ongoing, and there is a need to continue pushing for change in the French entertainment industry.
