Investigations on rape accusations against film director Luc Besson

CNN reports that  a rape investigation has been launched against one of France’s best-known film directors, Luc Besson.  CNN quotes the Paris prosecutor’s office, saying that the alleged incident happened at the five-star Bristol Hotel in central Paris on Thursday.

French radio station Europe 1 was the first to report the filing of the complaint, which the woman later confirmed to Variety. French police reportedly denied comment at first.

The woman requested not to be identified for the stories, though she was described by Europe 1 as a 27-year-old actress who said she had felt professionally compelled to engage in relations with Besson for the past two years. She described the alleged incident to Variety as “violent sexual assault” and claimed it happened two days ago on May 10 at the Bristol Hotel in Paris.

Besson’s lawyer said that his client denied the accusations. He told the Hollywood Reporter in a statement: “Mr. Besson fell from his chair when he learned of these accusations, which he flatly denies.”

French police are reportedly investigating the claim, and Besson has not been formally charged.

The 59-year-old director and screenwriter’s films include “Léon: The Professional,” “The Fifth Element” and “The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc.”

The allegation comes at a time when sexual harassment within in the film industry is under greater scrutiny than ever.