Filmmaker & Opera Director Benoît Jacquot Charged with Rape

By Francisco Salazar

French director Benoît Jacquot has been charged with the rape of two actresses.

According to Paris Prosecutors, Julia Roy and Isild Le Besco have accused the 77-year-old director.

According to the New York Times, “Roy, 34, and Le Besco, 41, publicly accused Jacquot of keeping them in similarly abusive relationships and of sexually abusing them when they were much younger actresses who starred in his films.”

Le Besco is accusing Jacquot of raping her between the ages of 16 and 25 while Roy has accused him of sexual and physical abuse.

Jacquot was taken into police custody on Monday for questioning and has denied any wrongdoing. The director was then released on Wednesday on bail of 25,000 euros under strict conditions that include a restraining order that prevents the director from contacting the women who accused him. He has also been ordered to seek psychological care and is also barred him from working with minors. He was also prohibited from working as a director.

Jacquot is best-known for his films including “Farewell, My Queen” and “Journal d’une femme de chambre.” He has also directed several operas at the Royal Opera House and Paris Opera. Among his most famed works are productions of “Werther” and “la Traviata” for the Paris Opera and a film version of “Tosca” with Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna. 

 

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