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Director Paul Haggis: "False Allegations"
Photo: CIRO DE LUCA / REUTERS
Screenwriter and writer Paul Haggis continues to insist on his innocence in the trial of allegations of sexual assault before the court in Brindisi, Italy.
"I'm innocent and I'm sure that will show," said the 69-year-old, who also works as a director and producer, in an interview with the Italian newspaper "La Repubblica".
He made the mistake of allowing someone he barely knew to visit him and ending an "awkward situation," the Canadian said.
"I still can't understand what led to these false accusations against me."
Prosecutors appealed
Oscar winner Haggis was arrested on June 19 in Ostuni, Puglia, in southern Italy, on suspicion of sexually assaulting a British woman in her late 20s in a hotel for three days.
He initially remained under house arrest until the investigating magistrate in Brindisi released him after an evidentiary hearing.
According to media reports, the public prosecutor's office has meanwhile appealed and justified this with the risk of the crime being repeated.
»I have no problems with women«
Allegations of sexual abuse against the filmmaker were made in the United States in 2018, which Haggis vehemently denied.
The case ended up in court and is still being tried there.
"I have no problems with women," Haggis replied to a question from La Repubblica.
He has had relationships with dozens of women and none have ever reported him to the police or prosecutors.
Haggis also became known for his open break with Scientology.
When asked if Scientology could be behind this, Haggis replied in an interview with »La Repubblica«: »I don't have any proof in this case yet, but from what I've learned dealing with Scientology, they are capable of absolutely anything.
If you say anything against them, they will use any means to destroy your reputation, your career and your family."
Haggis now fears for his reputation because of the proceedings in Italy.
"A person's reputation is built over a lifetime, but can be destroyed in a minute, even from completely unfounded allegations like this," he explained.
After the allegations in the US, it took him five years to rebuild his name.
He has now lost two jobs as a screenwriter after his arrest in Italy.
yup/dpa