Luc Besson, known for his directorial efforts in films such as acclaimed action film Leon: The Professional and sci-fiction classic The Fifth Element is facing rape allegations from a French actress.
Based off a report from Europe 1, a 27 year old actress accused the director of drugging her tea before sexually assaulting her at the Le Briston Hotel in Paris on Thursday, May 10. Her identity remains unknown however but the actress states that she has had a prior sexual relationship with Besson. She claims, she woke up after losing consciousness and finds Besson touching and penetrating her. Besson then left the hotel leaving her an undisclosed amount of money.
Besson has denied these accusations and French police are investigating the accounts of the report. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Besson’s lawyer Thierry Marembert stated that, “Mr. Besson fell off his chair when he learned of these accusations, which he flatly denies.”
Besson has been noted as one of the few action directors who center much of their films around female protagonist. He has enjoyed success in the film industry prior to the recent disappointment that is Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets which was both a commercial failure and a critical dud.
It may be presumptuous to assume that this is automatically true but following the surge of many A-list celebrities accused of sexual misconduct following the Harvey Weinstein scandal, it is hard to ignore. Some would assume that this may seem like an actress jumping on the bandwagon following these accusations on other celebrities and some would automatically scrutinize Besson for his abhorrent behavior (alleged).
But investigations are still underway and the public will know whether Besson will be exonerated or if he will be added to the list alongside the ranks of Harvey Weinstein.
Source: Europe 1, The Hollywood Reporter
