In the name of the presumption of innocence, Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi protected Sofiane Bennacer despite reports of rape

At 25, actor Sofiane Bennacer was indicted in October for rape and assault on several former comrades. It is currently showing almond treesa film about the world of theater directed by Valeria Bruni Tedeschisister of Carla Bruni.

While Sofiane Bennacer claim his innocencea survey of Publication published on November 24 – along with the one revealing the allegations against the actor – highlighted this Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi knew the allegations of which the actor was the subject, and that from the auditions For the movie.

Film crew members were not heard

Publication has collected the words of about thirty people, including fifteen members of the film crew. There are many testimonials to support this “ production and Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi » to have ““Protected” Sofiane Bennacer knowingly. »

The director would he maintained silence during filming of the almond treesevoking the “presumption of innocence” whenever these allegations were discussed. This was especially true in July 2021, when feminist activists pasted messages about the theater where the shooting took place. You may read messages like “Production accomplice” or « Sofiane Bennacer actor-rapist. » At the time, the actor had been the subject of a six-month rape complaint. “The outside world suddenly saw us, when we had the impression of being closed in this secret that we shouldn’t talk about” a technician will testify to Publication on these collages.

The director has always defended the “presumption of innocence”

The daily reports that the professionals present on the set explicitly told Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi have validated “Hiring Teens Accused of Sexual Assault”, as reported by an alternate. The director would bring the technical team together on several occasions in the absence of Sofiane Bennacer.

This alternate explained: “ Valeria was very clear: she said yes according to his choiceThat, that was no problem for her », making sure you have a “total trust in his cast”. “He told us that Sofiane shouldn’t feel that the team knew about it or that it would change our behavior. » Another technician will testify: “Valeria said it was also about saving him, giving him a chance and pushing him into this environment, and that she believed in his talent. »

Publication contacted the director several times to arrange a meeting. In an email sent to the newspaper in May, the director explained that she was “victim of violence in [s]us childhood » and continued:

” I know the pain not to be heard. But I do not think the fight for the rights of women and the poorest must live with the violation of the presumption of innocence. »

On set, two women quit. “I’d rather be unemployed than work for people like that” explained one of them in the columns of Publication.

Currently, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi he didn’t answer meeting requests made by the newspaper.

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