French filmmaker Christophe Ruggia convicted of sexual assault in landmark #MeToo trial

A Paris court has found filmmaker Christophe Ruggia guilty of sexually assaulting actor Adele Haenel during her teenage years. He was sentenced to two years of house arrest with an electronic bracelet and an additional two-year suspended sentence. This case marks France's first major #MeToo trial. Haenel accused Ruggia in 2019, claiming he inappropriately touched her while filming "Les Diables." The court noted Ruggia exploited his position of power over her. Haenel has been a vocal critic of the film industry's handling of sexual abuse. She previously walked out of the Cesar Awards in protest and announced her departure from the French film industry in 2023. Ruggia plans to appeal the verdict.