The National Assembly has created a commission of inquiry into sexism and sexual violence in cinema.

Judith Godrèche’s appeal was heard in the lower house. The National Assembly unanimously approved this Thursday the creation of a commission of inquiry responsible for studying the “abuse and violence” of which minors and adults are victims in cinema, the audiovisual world, the performing arts, fashion and advertising.

The creation of this commission of inquiry is a response to the repeated request of the actress Judith Godrèche. Present at the Assembly’s rostrum, she has become a leading figure in the fight against sexual abuse of minors since she filed a complaint against directors Benoit Jacquot and Jacques Doillon for allegations dating back to his teenage years. The proposed resolution, initiated by environmentalist Francesca Paschini, was approved by all 52 voters. “It’s time to stop rolling out the red carpet for bullies,” the actress, who was present after the vote, said.

“Define Mechanisms”

The commission of inquiry will have to “assess the situation of minors working in the film, audiovisual, live performance, fashion and advertising sectors” as well as adults, after the culture committee expanded the initially envisaged scope of the inquiry.

It will have to “identify the mechanisms and shortcomings that allow these potential abuses and violence,” “ascertain the responsibility of each participant in this matter,” and “make recommendations regarding the responses that need to be provided.”

At hearings in the Senate in late February and in the Assembly in mid-March, Judith Godrèche asked parliamentarians in both chambers to create a commission of inquiry. “We will be silent? I am counting on you, I am counting on you to protect children, to no longer take them to the cinema without any protection,” she told deputies.

A preliminary investigation has been opened in Paris against Benoit Jacquot and Jacques Doillon. Both directors denied the allegations made against them through their lawyers.

The creation of this commission came the day after the publication of a book by actress Isilde Le Besco, in which she discusses in detail the relationship between her and Benoit Jacquot, which began when she was 16 years old. If she accuses him of rape, then, according to her, she is not ready to file a complaint against him.