Oscar-winning Canadian screenwriter and director Paul Haggis has been arrested in Ostuni, southern Italy, on charges of sexual assault and aggravated personal injury allegedly inflicted on an unidentified woman who has filed charges.
According to several Italian press reports and a note from the prosecutor of the nearby city of Brindisi, Haggis is accused of forcing a young “foreigner” – that is, not Italian – to have sex for two days in Ostuni. while he planned to give several master classes at Allora Fest, a new film event launched by Italian journalist Silvia Bizio and Spanish art critic Sol Costales Doulton to be held in Ostuni from 21 to 26 June.
Bizio has confirmed to Variety that Haggis is under arrest.
In a statement, The Allora Fest said that “they have learned with dismay and surprise that Paul Haggis has been arrested for alleged violence.”
The directors of the festival “immediately proceeded to withdraw any participation from the director of the event” and “at the same time, express full solidarity with the woman involved,” they add.
“The themes chosen for the festival are, among others, those of equality, gender equality and solidarity. As professionals and women, they are appalled and hope that the festival will help to raise more information and awareness on such a topical and increasingly urgent issue, “the statement added.
Variety has contacted Haggis representatives for comment.
According to a report by Italian police, the alleged victim, after being assaulted, was taken by Haggis to Papola Casale Airport in Brindisi and left there on Sunday morning in the early hours of the morning, despite the their “precarious physical and psychological conditions.”
At the airport, the alleged rape victim, who was in a “state of confusion”, was assisted by airport staff and border police who, after providing first aid, accompanied her. at the offices of the Italian police’s mobile police unit. Police took the woman to A. Perrino Hospital in Brindisi, where the so-called “pink protocol” of Italy for rape victims was put in place.
The alleged victim later filed formal charges against Haggis.
Haggis, who wrote “Million Dollar Baby” and co-wrote and directed “Crash,” both of which won an Oscar, was sued in 2018 by publicist Haleigh Breest, who allegedly violently raped her. after a premiere in 2013. The lawsuit prompted three additional women to file their own allegations of sexual misconduct against Haggis, who has vehemently denied the allegations. The trial is still pending, due to delays by VOCID.
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