New accusations against a French director. A investigation by the investigation cell Radio France published this Tuesday, April 9, 2024, reports the testimonies of ten actresses denouncing the behavior “displaced” by Philippe Lioret, director of I’m fine, don’t worry (2006) or even Welcome (2009). Several of them report, in their own name, “forced kisses” and gestures “inappropriate” during castings. In particular, the film essays All our desires (2011).
“There is something very unhealthy”
The actresses remember their astonishment to see the director give them the answer during the auditions, especially since Philippe Lioret would have chosen an intimate, carnal scene between the main character of Claire and her husband. Actress Marie Gillain, who got the role, remembered “a feeling of unease” during casting and “a carnal attitude” of the filmmaker who embarrassed her.
“He started to be very pushy. He put his mouth on my neck, he was short of breath, I was very uncomfortable. I pulled away and he said to me: “But do you want to do it or do you not want to do it?”develops Élodie Frenck, who knew the filmmaker on the set of Mademoiselle (2001).
Amandine Dewasmes and Marie Gillain in All our desires, by Philippe Lioret. | ARCHIVES See in full screen Amandine Dewasmes and Marie Gillain in All our desires, by Philippe Lioret. | ARCHIVES
The actress Emilie Deville shares the same feeling of embarrassment. “He didn’t rape me, he didn’t kiss me by force, but he abused his status as an actor’s director, she writes. Sometimes the discomfort continues when the cast leaves. “Once outside, as we return to our respective vehicles, he tries to kiss me on the mouth. It’s not at all what I wanted.”says another actress, Hélène Seuzaret.
Amandine Dewasmes, for her part, remembers the advances of the director on the terrace of a restaurant, while two other actresses deplore “forced kisses” after tests.
Philippe Lioret “deeply sorry”
The casting director of All our desiresa film released in 2011, confirms Radio France the testimonies, explaining that Philippe Lioret seemed “in a feeling of omnipotence and he believed he was allowed to do anything”. “After the success of Welcomehe decided to become his own producershe explains. He was alone in charge. There was no longer any outside perspective, any counterbalance, any counter-power. »
Questioned about these accusations, the director denies having kissed an actress by force. “I have never felt like I was trying to take advantage of anyone in my entire life.”he confides to Radio France .
His lawyer, Solange Doumic, returns to the casting of All our desires : “Philippe Lioret has always been very personally involved in castings. […] He seeks to get the best from the actors and actresses who are trying out. So, he’s the one who gives them the answer. In the cast of All our desires, he had chosen a scene of tenderness because it is crucial. Today, if actresses feel offended, Philippe Lioret is deeply sorry. He obviously didn’t realize it at all. »