Eye For Film >> News >> Besson accused of rape

Besson accused of rape

Fifth Element director denies allegation

by Amber Wilkinson

Besson in Locarno in 2014
Besson in Locarno in 2014 Photo: Richard Mowe
French director Luc Besson has been accused of rape by an actress.

Police are investigating the allegation, which was filed in Paris on Friday.

The Associated French Press news agency reported that the Valerian director's lawyer said: "Luc Besson categorically denies these fantasist accusations.

"[The complainant] is someone he knows, towards whom he has never behaved inappropriately."

Four-times married Besson, 59, is one of France's best known modern directors, having helmed films including The Fifth Element, Lucy and Subway. He is currently married to producer Virginie Besson-Silla.

Share this with others on...

Movies out this week include:

The Almond And The Seahorse Chasing Chasing Amy La Chimera Hoard If Much Ado About Dying Nightwatch: Demons Are Forever Shallow Grave
News

Coppola, the fearless, has no regrets Megalopolis director values friendship more than personal fortune

Miller still a playful child at heart Furiosa director on the joys of technology, creating legends and eternal curiosity

Status 'protected' Cannes star Léa Seydoux 'From the beginning I worked with people who respected me - more or less'

On reflection Sav Rodgers on Ben Affleck, Kevin Smith, coming of age on camera and Chasing Chasing Amy

Meryl crowned Queen of the Croisette Honorary Palme for Hollywood royalty as Cannes crowds and first nighters go wild for Streep

More news and features

News
Festival Image

We're bringing you all the excitement of the world's most celebrated film festival direct from Cannes



We're looking forward to Inside Out, the Muslim International Film Festival, the Tribeca Film Festival, Docs Ireland and the Fantasia International Film Festival.



We've recently covered Fantaspoa, Queer East, Visions du Réel, New Directors/New Films, the Overlook Film Festival, BFI Flare, the Glasgow Short Film Festival and SXSW.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact
Competition Picture

More competitions coming soon.