The La Ciotat festival takes note of Gérard Darmon’s decision to step down as president of the jury for this edition in order to preserve the integrity of the event, the organizers of the Cinema Birthplace indicated. The festival is set to take place from June 10 to 14 in the iconic Eden theater.
For several weeks, the controversy has been growing, particularly following a detailed investigation by the magazine Politis, supported by direct testimonies from several professionals who claimed to have been assaulted on set by the actor. Assaults that Gérard Darmon has consistently denied.
The feminist collective of La Ciotat recently raised concerns through an open letter, stating their refusal to “honor” a “presumed sexual aggressor” and pointing out the “responsibility of the organizers and partners of the event” to “understand the symbolic and concrete impact of this honor.”
After some discomfort and various deliberations, the only possible decision was made, while still preserving the “honor” of the actor in question… “Director Jean-Pierre Améris has agreed to take over the presidency of the jury,” the Cinema Birthplace stated. A completely different temperament.
