Luc Besson had chosen discretion, preferring to slip out of the spotlight while the case was judged. A decision taken following accusations of sexual assault and rape made by Belgian actress Sand Van Roy, a scandal which plunged the filmmaker into a dark period. In 2018, Sand Van Roy filed a complaint, pointing out a “professional control relationship” and threats of “retaliation for her acting career”. At that time, the director admitted to an extramarital affair while strongly rejecting rape accusations. Five years later, the Court of Cassation finally delivered its verdict, exonerating the director.
On the occasion of the release of his film DogMan, in which Caleb Landry Jones plays the main role, Luc Besson therefore chose to come out of the shadows and express himself. “When you are accused like that, and you have done nothing, you have to go to court and let justice take its course. There are no other solutions. Justice is perhaps not perfect but it is essential and it is irreplaceable”he explained in particular on the set of What an era this Saturday September 23, 2023.
Also see: Luc Besson: the chilling testimony of the actress who accuses him of rape
Sand Van Roy reacts
Facing Léa Salamé, the one who directed The Big Blue, Nikita, Léon or The fifth Element also revealed that he had been let go by the “great cinema family” and the actors and actresses he was able to cast. A speech which obviously did not please Sand Van Roy.
To the extent that proceedings are still underway in Belgium against Luc Besson, I will not make any comments or give any interviews so that justice can do its work with complete serenity and independence.
— Sand Van Roy (@SandVanRoy) September 24, 2023
Obviously very upset, the 35-year-old actress took to her social networks to express her dissatisfaction. “As proceedings are still underway in Belgium against Luc Besson, I will not make any comments or give any interviews so that justice can do its work with complete serenity and independence”she wrote on Twitter, now renamed X. A message which sparked strong reactions.
V.B.