Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon Impacted by “New Wave” #MeToo Movement

Judith Godrèche, a 51-year-old actress, has accused two directors, Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon, of raping her when she was a minor. Both directors are known for their films focusing on women and childhood. They have strongly denied these accusations.

Benoît Jacquot is currently under investigation for the alleged rape of Godrèche. The actress, who was directed by Jacquot in several films and maintained a relationship with him from the age of 14, has reiterated her accusations of abuse and violence against him.

Godrèche has also implicated Jacques Doillon, who directed her in the film “The 15 year old girl” when she was a minor. She recounted an intimate scene with Doillon, in the presence of Jane Birkin, who was then the director’s companion. When asked if Doillon had abused her, Godrèche agreed.

The complaint filed by Godrèche targets both Jacquot and Doillon. The investigation, entrusted to the Minor Protection Brigade, focuses on offenses of rape of a minor under 15 years of age by a person in authority, rape, violence by a partner, and sexual assault of a minor over 15 years of age by a person in authority. All of the alleged incidents took place between 1986 and 1992 when Jacquot and Godrèche were a couple.

Jacques Doillon, known for directing films such as “Rodin”, “Ponette”, or “The little criminal”, has refuted the accusations and is eager to explain himself in court.

Both Jacquot and Doillon are readily presented as the heirs of the New Wave and are known for their films that explore themes of initiation and desire. However, several actresses have accused Jacquot of similar patterns of seductive approaches, psychological influence, and possessiveness towards young women aged between 15 and 23.

Doillon, who has a daughter with Jane Birkin, is nicknamed the “childhood filmmaker”. His films often explore themes of torment, frustration, and class relations, with stories centered on souls in distress or very young characters.

Other directors from this generation have also faced accusations of sexual misconduct. Philippe Garrel was implicated this summer by five actresses who testified about attempts at non-consensual kisses and sexual propositions during professional meetings. Jean-Claude Brisseau, who died in 2019, was convicted in 2005 for the sexual harassment of two actresses.

Benoît Jacquot’s lawyer, Julia Minkowski, has stated that the director denies Godrèche’s accusations and has requested to be heard by the prosecution as soon as possible.