Protests at Venice Film Festival Against Directors Accused of Sexual Abuse

During the 80th Venice International Film Festival, activists protested against the inclusion of directors Woody Allen, Roman Polanski, and Luc Besson, all of whom have faced sexual abuse allegations. The protest occurred on August 4 on the red carpet before the screening of Allen's film "Coup de Chance." Protesters, including some topless women, chanted "Turn off the spotlights on rapists" and distributed flyers in Italian and English criticizing the festival for giving space to directors involved in sexual violence cases, including against minors. The flyer also condemned festival director Alberto Barbera's justification that distinguishes between the artist and the man. Barbera defended Allen's presence, stating that Allen was acquitted of all charges 25 years ago and that protests should target actual rapists. The protest was organized by activist groups from the Veneto region. Allen's case involves allegations of molesting his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow in the 1990s, which he denies. Polanski fled the US in 1978 after pleading guilty to unlawful sex with a minor. Besson was acquitted in June 2023 by the French Court of Cassation of rape allegations by actress Sand Van Roy. The protest highlights ongoing tensions around the #MeToo movement and the festival's programming choices.