During the Cannes Film Festival, a bill was introduced on Wednesday in the National Assembly to strengthen the fight against violence in the world of cinema and culture.
One year after the publication of a parliamentary report on the subject, “charters have been signed, listening cells have been created” but these “advancements remain fragile as long as they do not rely on a solid legislative foundation,” argue deputies Erwan Balanant (Les Démocrates) and Sandrine Rousseau (Écologiste).
“Despite the media impact of numerous testimonies, one case has always displaced the other, without ever questioning the structural conditions that allowed this scourge to grow to such an extent,” they added in a statement.
“The careers of the aggressors continue, while those of the people who dared to speak out are shattered,” the deputies noted.
In light of this observation, the two elected officials believe it is “urgent to concretely strengthen the protection of minors,” particularly through the “establishment of a systematic honorability check for anyone working with this public.”
Creation of a New Offense
Their bill also calls to “secure jobs and rights of workers by law” by “prohibiting any financial penalty, salary deduction, or damages and interests claim against those who report acts of sexist and sexual violence and harassment.”
The text also includes a reinforcement of criminal sanctions, notably through the creation of a “new offense requiring employers to report incidents brought to their attention.”
In its report published in April 2025, the parliamentary inquiry commission on #metoo in culture had reported “systemic” sexual violence in this sector, listing 86 recommendations to halt “the talent-crushing machine.”
This commission was created following rape accusations made in early 2024 by actress Judith Godrèche when she was a minor against directors Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon.
