Since the mid-1970s, Alain Sarde has been involved in the production of over 150 films worldwide. He is a prominent figure in the French film industry and has worked on notable films like David Lynch’s ‘Mulholland Drive’ and Roman Polanski’s ‘The Pianist’. However, recent accusations have surfaced that he raped or sexually abused nine women, including minors at the time. These incidents mainly took place in the 1980s and 1990s.
In response to these allegations, Sarde’s lawyer, Jacqueline Laffont, claimed that they were all lies. The producer himself denied the allegations, stating that he has never used violence or coercion in his relationships with women and has always prioritized obtaining their consent. However, this does not seem to align with the experiences of the nine women who came forward to share their stories with French women’s magazine Elle on Monday.
One actress recounted being raped by Sarde in 1985 when she was just 15 years old. The producer had invited her to his apartment in Paris under the guise of discussing a professional role she was being offered. Other women shared stories of rape, attempted rape, and other forms of sexual violence. Although none of the victims had previously filed a complaint against Sarde, these recent accusations have resurfaced just before the start of the Cannes Film Festival. Rumors of new #MeToo revelations have been circulating in the French media, adding to the growing pressure for justice for those who have been abused by powerful figures in Hollywood and beyond.