Samuel Theis accused of sexual assault. He had to direct the film remotely

French newspaper Liberation reports that the alleged sexual assault occurred midway through filming, after a party organized for the cast and crew on July 1. A crew member spent the night in the apartment where the party was held due to his state of intoxication. He claims that he was raped by Theis in the early morning hours. Meanwhile, according to “Liberation”, the director maintains that it happened by mutual consent.

The production commissioned an outside investigation

Shortly thereafter, a crew member resigned from the film. The producer of “Je te iure” Caroline Bonmarchand told Variety that when she learned about the alleged incident, she contacted an external organization. She conducted an internal investigation among the cast and crew.

The producers also instructed Theis to continue working remotely: he would come in the morning before filming to plan everything, then go to another room. Actors could come to him if necessary, and the director communicated with crew members via monitors. Team members also had the opportunity to talk to a psychologist.

Director’s lawyer: I don’t know anything about the official complaint or investigation

According to Telerama magazine, a crew member filed a police complaint against Theis, but in an interview with Variety, the director’s lawyer said she was unaware of the official complaint and no one had contacted her regarding the ongoing investigation.

“The only investigation into this matter was commissioned by the production and conducted by an independent organization. In September, a 300-page report was released which concluded that there were no elements that qualified what occurred as a sexual assault,” she said. in a statement. She added that the report includes the testimony of a witness who entered the bedroom where Theis and the accuser were staying and described what he saw as a “tender moment.”

You need help?

Sexual violence is any unwanted sexual contact. According to UNICEF data, approximately 15 million teenagers between 15 and 19 years of age have experienced this type of violence around the world, but only 1 percent of teenagers seek help from a professional. Research shows that 80 percent Rape victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you are a victim of sexual violence, you can get help by calling, for example, the “Niebieska Linia” Telephone Clinic – 22 668 70 00 (7 days a week, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.) or the 24-hour emergency telephone number of the Women’s Rights Center – 600 070 717.