(ANSA) - ROME, NOVEMBER 25 - Today's cover of the French magazine Liberation features actor Sofiane Bennacer with bloody hands and screaming about the ongoing investigation into rape allegations.
He is one of the protagonists of Forever Young (LesAmandiers), the film by Valeria Bruni Tedeschi applauded in Cannes and already a cult favorite in France (in Italy it is released on 1 December with Lucky Red).
It so happened that today is also the day in which the director presented the film in Rome.
Tested and tense, Bruni Tedeschi read a statement without wanting to add anything else.
"Today is the day against violence against women. I was myself a victim of abuse in my childhood and I know the pain of not being taken seriously. That doesn't stop me, however, from being amazed reading today's Libération,
to see the treatment of a young man who is the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation, with no respect for the people who are working on this investigation, nor for the principle of the presumption of innocence.
I was artistically impressed by Sofiane Bennacer from the very first second of my film's casting and I strongly wanted her to be the lead actor despite the rumors circulating, of which I was aware". She then explains that the producers "expressed fears and reservations, but I communicated to him that these voices should not question this choice". And he clarifies: "I take full responsibility for my choice".
Bruni Tedeschi also adds that he learned "Subsequently that a complaint had been filed. Filming had then begun, and changing actors would have created insurmountable legal obstacles. This morning, I am indignant to see that a newspaper like Libération can trample the principle of the presumption of innocence to such an extent and put on the front page a picture of a young man with blood on his hands."
To date, says the director and actress, "this editorial choice is in my opinion nothing more than a pure media lynching".
She then concludes with a revelation: "we do indeed have a love relationship, but this relationship began long after filming ended, and is based on a deep friendship".
(HANDLE).
