French film director Christophe Ruggia arrested over abuse claims

French film director Christophe Ruggia has been held in connection with allegations of sexual harassment made by award-winning actress Adèle Haenel. Ruggia was arrested as part of an investigation into "sexual aggression on a minor", police said on Tuesday. Haenel, who is now 31, was only 12 when she was cast in Ruggia's film Les Diables (The Devils).

The actress alleges Ruggia harassed her as a young teenager when they travelled together to promote the film. Her comments shook the French film industry when they were first reported last November, following an investigation by the Mediapart news website. Ruggia, who is now 55, was placed in police custody on Tuesday morning. He has previously denied the allegations.

source: Article 'French film director Christophe Ruggia arrested over abuse claims'; www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-51105716; BBC News; 14 January 2020