Cannes Film Festival Takes Stand: Actor Accused of Sexual Assault Banned from Red Carpet

Cannes Film Festival’s Delegate General Thierry Frémaux has made headlines for banning an actor from walking the red carpet with the cast of the film Dossier 137. This decision came after the actor faced allegations of sexual assault from three women.

The film, directed by Dominik Moll, tells the story of a police officer investigating claims of police violence against a young man. According to Télérama, Frémaux acted after learning about official complaints against the actor for rape and psychological violence. These complaints relate to incidents from 2018 to 2020. Although a court dismissed the case in April 2025, the plaintiffs are appealing the decision, which keeps the situation in the spotlight.

Cannes hasn’t had a formal protocol for handling such accusations until recently. Frémaux’s actions seem to align with the French César Academy’s guidelines, which state that anyone under investigation for violent acts cannot participate in their ceremonies or receive awards until the legal process concludes.

Frémaux noted, “Because there is an appeal and therefore a continuation of the investigation, the case is not suspended. Once it’s ruled on definitively in the courts, it will be different.”

In light of rising scrutiny and demands for accountability—especially since the #MeToo movement—Cannes has strengthened its stance against participants accused of sexual violence. The festival faced backlash years ago, with many actresses accusing it of overlooking inappropriate behavior.

In 2023, actress Adèle Haenel published an open letter criticizing Cannes for fostering an environment that allowed sexual predators to thrive. Frémaux responded, dismissing her claims as "false."

Judith Godrèche, an actress and filmmaker, reignited discussions around #MeToo in France by recounting her experiences with director Benoît Jacquot and bringing attention to issues raised by others about Harvey Weinstein at Cannes.

A recent parliamentary inquiry, initiated by Godrèche, highlighted that sexual abuse and violence are widespread in the French film industry. The inquiry urged Cannes to take an active role in addressing these problems.

Cannes has acknowledged Télérama’s report about the actor’s ban, showing that the festival is trying to move toward greater accountability.

This situation underscores an evolving conversation in the film industry about responsibility and safety. Recent data from a survey by the French National Cinema Center (CNC) revealed that nearly 30% of women in the industry have faced harassment. As these discussions continue, festivals like Cannes will likely keep adapting their policies to foster a safer environment for all participants.

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