Patrick Sobelman and Alexandra Henochsberg, the producers of the film. the almond trees whose actor Sofiane Bennacer is accused of acts of rape and violence, assured on Friday that the production knew nothing of these facts before hiring him. “At no time did the production know before hiring him and at no time did the production orchestrate the slightest omerta to make sure that nothing came out of this story,” said Patrick Sobelman on Friday morning at France Inter.
In a press release signed together with Alexandra Henochsberg and published immediately afterwards, he added that he had heard of a rumor in the spring of 2021 and had asked Stanislas Nordey, director of the Strasbourg National Theater (TNS) for confirmation, where it would have taken place. that of the facts.
“could run against us”
“To the direct question we ask […] the answer is ‘no’ and the word rape is never uttered by him”. Having been chosen as the actor by the director, “nothing justified opposing us […] on the sole basis of a rumor”, specifies the text.
It was once the shooting had started, “two days later”, when they discovered that a rape complaint had been filed against Sofiane Bennacer, “but that she had never been heard and that no investigation had been opened.” “Then we informed the director. Highlighting the presumption of innocence, she does not intend to continue the film without this actor”, indicate the producers.
They then state that they have no choice but to continue with it. “At this point there is nothing in the labor legislation that allows us to justify the dismissal of him, it could end up against us.” A meeting is organized on the set and Valéria Bruni-Tedeschi offers “those who feel uncomfortable with the situation, to leave the shoot without pressure or consequences”, explain the two producers.
Protection measures put in place
But according to Liberación, the filming took place in an “omertá” climate. Allegations contested by the producers, who believe they have “tried to make [leur] better taking charge of an extremely complex situation with the legislative apparatus at our disposal, namely, not only labor law but the presumption of innocence that protects access to complaints, prevents discrimination in hiring.
Measures have been put in place on the set to protect the team against harassment and sexual violence, “as required by the CNC’s regulations,” the two producers specify. The 50/50 association, whose objective is to promote equality between women and men, is warned and recommends that the production “secure the set”.
“We were present every day on the set, we observed with the entire production team with great attention to their safety, there was never an incident (even during rehearsals) on set, off set and during filming,” insists Patrick Sobelman. and Alexandra Henochsberg, for whom “there is no ‘scandal’ of almond trees“Now we are waiting for justice to investigate the case of Sofiane Bennacer.”
critically acclaimed film
Valéria Bruni-Tedeschi denounced on Friday a “media lynching” after the publication of the investigation of Release About Sofiane Bennacer. “To this day, everyone knows that he has not been tried, and such a process is, in my opinion, a pure media lynching, a process far removed from a desire to report objectively and impartially,” the director wrote in a Press release.
The one who would be the “companion” of the actor, according to Release Y The Parisian, confirms having had “knowledge” of the “rumors” that the young actor was the subject of during filming.
Revelation of the latest film by Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi, Sofiane Bennacer, 25, who claims her innocence, is the subject of several accusations. Two for acts of rape of two ex-partners as well as a third “accusation of violence against the spouse.”
As part of a fourth complaint filed by another ex-girlfriend who reported acts of rape, Sofiane Bennacer was placed under the more favorable status of assisted witness.
The TNS, where he had been admitted, had seized the Ministry of Culture for acts of “violence and sexist, sexual harassment.” The ministry then made a report to the courts, the prosecutor said, without specifying the date. The critically acclaimed film the almond trees has achieved more than 100,000 admissions since its premiere on November 16.
Source: BFM TV
