Godrèche affair: project of a commission of inquiry for the protection of minors in cinema

The National Assembly should act at the beginning of May the creation of a commission of inquiry relating to the situation of minors in the cinema, performing arts and fashion industries, giving substance to a request from actress Judith Godrèche. The proposed resolution to this effect tabled by environmentalist MP Francesca Pasquini, who had received the support of the majority, should be voted on without difficulty in the chamber on May 2, according to parliamentary sources.

The commission of inquiry will be responsible for “evaluating the situation of minors who work in the cinema, performing arts and fashion industries”, “identifying the mechanisms and failures allowing possible abuse and violence” on these children and “make recommendations”.

The creation of this commission responds to a request made several times by the actress Judith Godrèche, who has become the leading figure in the fight against sexual violence against children since she filed a complaint against the filmmakers Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon for facts dating back to his adolescence. A preliminary investigation has been opened in Paris. The two directors refuted, through their respective lawyers, the accusations made against them.

The socialist group in the Senate, for its part, called for the creation of a parliamentary commission of inquiry into sexual and gender-based violence in cinema. “It is urgent to ensure the safety of children who work in the cultural industries and to protect them from all types of abuse and violence. I call on all deputies to act responsibly and to vote so that this long-awaited commission of inquiry begins its work quickly,” responded Ms. Pasquini in a press release.