French actor Adèle Haenel confronts director Ruggia in sexual assault trial

Other actors and technicians on the set told Mediapart of the unhealthy atmosphere.

A summary of the charges quoted by French media says Ruggia and Haenel continued to see each other every Saturday after the shooting of Les Diables wrapped up, “under the guise of film lessons” during which Ruggia would allegedly touch her sexually and put his hands in her underwear.

Investigators said they had found notes on Ruggia’s computer in which he wrote about 12-year-old Haenel’s “overflowing sensuality”.

When she eventually cut off links with him, he kept writing her numerous letters, according to the charge sheet. She later plunged into a deep depression which lasted until she was 28, she said.

“When I was under his thumb I felt dirty and wanted to die,” Haenel told investigators.

Ruggia has admitted to having made “errors” in his conduct towards Haenel.

“I did not see that my adulation for her, and the hopes I placed in her, might – given her young age – come across at times as irksome. If this is what happened… I ask her pardon,” he said in a statement in 2019.

At the trial, prosecutor Camille Poch said she had “no doubt” the allegations were truthful and said Ruggia’s defence was “unlikely”. “He made the choice to sexually assault her. He had his whole conscience as a grown man to decide to act otherwise.”

Haenel was the first prominent French actor to accuse the French film industry of turning a blind eye to sexual assault.

Since then, actor Gérard Depardieu has been accused of rape and is due to stand trial next year. Film directors Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon have also been accused of rape and sexual offences by actress Judith Godrèche.

Haenel’s lawyers have requested €30,000 (£24,800) in compensation for moral damages and €31,000 to cover the cost of her psychologists’ fees.

A verdict is expected on 3 February.