Judith Godrèche Faces Defamation Charges Over Allegations Against Jacques Doillon

Published10. September 2025, 11:42

France: Judith Godrèche is indicted: “I can’t wait”

The actress received a notice of indicted on Wednesday for comments she made on the director Jacques Doillon. There will be a trial.

Judith Godrèche is targeted by a defamation complaint by Jacques Doillon.

AFP

“Breaking News”, writes Judith Godrèche on Instagram, Wednesday September 10. The actress is put an examination for “remarks comprising allegations or imputations of facts likely to undermine the honor or the consideration of Mr. JD (Editor’s note: director Jacques Doillon)She writes. Before shouting his injustice: “On the one hand, my complaint against him comes up against prescription. On the other, for his complaint against me, justice does not waste time. ”

The decision to indict was expected, since in November 2024, the actress had already received a “prior opinion of indictment”.

Judith had publicly accused in February 2024 the filmmaker Benoît Jacquot of rape then Jacques Doillon of sexual assault, triggering a new storm in the #MeToo of French cinema.

Assisted witness

An investigation had been triggered by the Paris prosecutor’s office for rape on a minor of 15 years by person with authority, rape, violence by partner, and sexual assault over a minor over the age of 15 per person, after the complaint filed by Judith Godrèche.

Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon were heard in early July by the miners’ protection brigade. The first was indicted for marital rape and rape on minor by person with authority. The second has finally been placed under the more favorable status of assisted witness.

In November 2024, Jacques Doillon had filed a defamation complaint not for these accusations in general but for an Instagram post of February 21 of Judith Godrèche, in which the latter affirmed that the director had laid children.

“I’m eager to”

In a second Instagram post published on Wednesday, Judith Godrèche writes about his own indictment: “There will therefore be a trial that will put him on the bench of the victims and I on that of the defendants. I can’t wait to come and explain the truth of his behavior. ” And to conclude: “It may be that I am not the only one to come and say it.”

What legal precedents in France might influence the outcome of the defamation case, considering the complexities of proving both defamation and sexual assault allegations?

The Core of the Legal Battle: Allegations and Counterclaims

The French film industry is embroiled in a high-profile legal dispute as actress Judith Godrèche faces defamation charges filed by director Jacques Doillon. This case stems from allegations Godrèche made regarding sexual assault and coercive control during their professional and personal relationship in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The accusations, initially brought to light in a Le Monde interview in November 2023, sparked a national conversation about #MeToo in France and the power dynamics within the film industry.Doillon vehemently denies the allegations, claiming they are fabricated and damaging to his reputation.

This isn’t simply a he-said-she-said scenario. The legal proceedings are complex,involving scrutiny of past relationships,witness testimonies,and the interpretation of French law regarding defamation and sexual assault. key terms driving search interest include “Judith Godrèche Doillon trial,” “Jacques Doillon defamation lawsuit,” and “#MeToo France.”

Timeline of Events: From Initial accusations to Legal Action

Understanding the sequence of events is crucial to grasping the gravity of the situation:

1. November 2023: Judith Godrèche publishes her memoir, La Trahison des femmes, and gives a detailed interview to Le Monde, publicly accusing Jacques Doillon of sexual assault and manipulative behavior.
2. December 2023: Jacques Doillon files a defamation complaint against Godrèche. He argues her statements have caused irreparable harm to his career and personal life.
3. Early 2024: Preliminary investigations begin, with both Godrèche and Doillon providing statements to authorities. Several actresses come forward with supportive statements for Godrèche, bolstering the #MeToo movement in France.
4. Mid-2024: The case gains importent media attention, prompting debates about the statute of limitations for sexual assault cases and the challenges faced by victims in coming forward.
5. September 2025: The defamation trial is scheduled to begin, attracting intense scrutiny from the public and the media. The focus is on proving or disproving the veracity of Godrèche’s claims and the extent of the damage to doillon’s reputation.

Key Legal Arguments and Challenges

The defamation case presents several legal hurdles:

Burden of Proof: Doillon must prove that godrèche’s statements are demonstrably false and that he suffered actual damage as a result. This is a significant challenge, given the nature of the allegations and the difficulty of proving or disproving events that occurred decades ago.

Public Interest vs. Reputation: The court will need to balance Godrèche’s right to speak out about alleged abuse with Doillon’s right to protect his reputation. The public interest in addressing sexual misconduct will be a key consideration.

Statute of Limitations: While the defamation claim itself has a statute of limitations, the underlying allegations of sexual assault raise questions about whether those claims are time-barred under French law. Recent legal reforms in france have extended the statute of limitations for certain sexual offenses.

Defining Defamation: French law requires a clear demonstration of intent to harm. Doillon’s legal team will need to prove Godrèche acted with malicious intent when making her accusations.

The Impact on the French #MeToo Movement

Godrèche’s allegations and the subsequent legal battle have significantly amplified the #MeToo movement in France. Prior to this case, France lagged behind other countries in addressing sexual harassment and assault.

Increased Awareness: The case has brought widespread attention to the issue of sexual violence in the film industry and beyond.

Empowering victims: Godrèche’s courage in coming forward has encouraged other victims to share their stories.

legislative Changes: The case has fueled calls for stronger laws to protect victims of sexual assault and hold perpetrators accountable.

Debate on Consent: the case has sparked a national debate about consent and the importance of challenging patriarchal power structures.

Related search terms gaining traction include “France MeToo movement,” “sexual assault French law,” and “Judith Godrèche interview Le Monde.”

Potential Outcomes and future Implications

The outcome of the defamation trial could have far-reaching consequences:

If Doillon wins: It could discourage other victims from coming forward with allegations of sexual assault, fearing legal repercussions.

If Godrèche wins (or the case is dismissed): It could embolden victims and strengthen the #MeToo movement in France.

* Regardless of the outcome: The case has already sparked a national conversation about sexual violence and the need for systemic change.

The trial is expected to be lengthy and complex, with the potential for appeals. The legal proceedings will likely continue to dominate headlines in France and beyond, shaping the ongoing debate about sexual misconduct and accountability.