The director of France’s leading cinema institution, Dominique Boutonnat, was sentenced on Friday to three years in prison, two of which were suspended, after being convicted in 2020 of sexually abusing his godchild.
In a statement issued immediately after the ruling, Boutonnat announced that he would step down as head of the National Center for Cinema (CNC). The position of director of the Center for Cinema includes overseeing measures to combat sexual violence in the sector.
The trial came as French cinema is still reeling from the #MeToo scandal, which has seen several big names, including acting legend Gerard Depardieu, accused of sexual abuse.
Boutonnat is considered one of the most powerful men in French cinema and will be able to serve his one-year prison sentence at home while wearing an electronic bracelet, the Nanterre criminal court outside Paris said.
The 54-year-old Boutonnat was also not allowed to have any contact with the victim for three years.
In its verdict, the court found that the “prosecutor’s version was more credible” than that of Boutonnat, who, according to the court, had always exercised “real influence” over his godchild.
The court also found that Boutonnat’s statements “were not necessarily rational” and could “lead to confusion and imply” that of the two, he was “the one who had the greatest interest in keeping things quiet.”
In the CNC statement, Boutonnat “affirmed his innocence” and said he would appeal.
– ‘More than godfather’ –
Boutonnat’s godson – not a relative – had accused him of trying to masturbate during a holiday in Greece in 2020, when he was 19.
In court, the young man described Boutonnat as “more than a godfather.
“It’s someone using me to masturbate,” he said.
Boutonnat denied that there was any sexual assault. He told the court that it was his godson who initiated the situation and kissed him.
“I hate to come out of an ambiguous situation, but to say there was an assault is wrong,” he added.
During the hearing, Boutonnat was questioned about WhatsApp messages he sent to his godson after the events, in which he said he wanted to “challenge him about his orientation”.
Boutonnat was first appointed CNC chief in 2019. He was put under investigation in February 2021, but was reappointed as CNC chief by the government in July 2022.
In May, French Culture Minister Rachida Dati praised his work at the Cannes Film Festival.
“This case is a perfect demonstration of what sexual assault is,” said the victim’s lawyer, Caroline Toby, adding that “the abuse of authority” had been recognized by the court.
On June 14, the public prosecutor had demanded a three-year suspended prison sentence for Boutonnat.
French cinema has faced accusations of ignoring sexism and sexual abuse for decades.
In recent months, abuse prevention training has become mandatory for films applying for government funding through the CNC.
Numerous associations fighting against sexist and sexual violence in the film industry had denounced Boutonnat’s leadership of the CNC.
The case gained renewed attention after actress Judith Godreche called for Boutonnat’s removal from office during a historic Senate hearing earlier this year.
CNC Deputy Director General Olivier Henrard will take over as interim head.
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