A parliamentary commission in France has released a comprehensive report proposing almost 90 recommendations to combat sexual violence in the cultural sector.

This initiative follows numerous testimonies concerning abusive practices within the arts, ignited by actress Judith Godrèche’s accusations against directors Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon for alleged rape when she was a minor.

The commission conducted interviews over six months with 350 professionals from the cinema, audiovisual, and live performance sectors, revealing a systemic and persistent problem of moral, sexist, and sexual violence.

According to the commission's chair, Sandrine Rousseau, these abuses often occur under the guise of artistic creation, which has been misused to justify harmful behavior.

The report emphasizes a need for the prohibition of the sexualization of minors in visual media and fashion photography and calls for regulations governing casting processes, which it describes as fraught with danger.

Recommendations include holding casting calls in professional venues and excluding nude scenes, as well as extending the mandatory presence of child welfare representatives to all artistic productions.

The commission highlighted the exploitation of vulnerable actors and actresses, with many casting directors and agents reportedly seeking sexual favors.

Furthermore, for adult actors, the report advocates for detailed contractual clauses regarding intimate scenes and the introduction of trained intimacy coordinators, a role that is still emerging within France.

In addressing institutional practices, the commission scrutinized the Maîtrise des Hauts-de-Seine, a renowned training program for young opera singers, where serious allegations of sexual misconduct against its head, Gaël Darchen, have emerged.

The report characterized this situation as a severe moral failure.

The commission has also referred matters to judicial authorities, including allegations of an attempted rape at the Théâtre du Soleil, where a performer reported a climate of constant sexual pressure.

The response from the company, founded by Ariane Mnouchkine in 1964, has been one of shock, leading to an internal investigation.

Despite objections from legal experts regarding potential breaches of the presumption of innocence, the commission expressed satisfaction in shining a light on the dangers and abuses prevalent in the cultural landscape, amplifying the voices of victims.

Notable actors, including two-time César winner Sara Forestier, shared their experiences of manipulation and coercion by directors, while Godrèche lamented the silence of powerful figures in the industry.

Recognizing the historical reluctance of some leading actors to confront these issues, they have publicly acknowledged the necessity to engage with the realities exposed by the #MeToo movement.

Jean Dujardin remarked on the collective blindness to these pervasive problems, asserting the movement's significance in prompting necessary discussions.

The commission maintains that its findings and recommendations create an imperative for accountability and action, reinforcing that ignorance equates to complicity in perpetuating systemic dysfunctions that fuel sexual violence within the cultural sector.