Italian judge orders director Paul Haggis to remain in detention

The director, awarded by the Film Academy, was accused by a woman of having forced her to have sex for two days, Italian newspapers reported.

After conducting a hearing that lasted several hours, at the Court and Brindisi, Judge Vilma Gilli signed the decision prolonging the detention, for the time being at the hotel in the city of Ostuni, where the director was supposed to participate in an arts festival this week, from according to the daily Corriere della Sera.

News agencies Ansa and LaPresse say Villi concluded that while the 69-year-old director was not at risk of flight, there was a “danger” that evidence would be compromised or the alleged crime would be repeated.

Haggis’ lawyer Michele Laforgia said at the end of the hearing that her client reiterated total innocence and is in a “hopeful expectation” that he will finally be acquitted.

“Paul Haggis answered all questions and explained what happened,” Laforgia told reporters as he left the courthouse.

“He pleaded not guilty, as he had done shortly after his arrest, in the sense that sex with this woman was entirely consensual,” he added.

While the woman’s allegations are being investigated, the Canadian-born director, producer and screenwriter was initially placed under orders to remain detained in his accommodation on a farm in Ostuni, a popular town in Puglia, the region that forms the “leap” of the peninsula. italian.

Prosecutors said he is under investigation for aggravated sexual assault and aggravated personal injury.

Prosecutors described the woman as young and foreign. State television and other Italian media say she is 30, is English and will have met Haggis before the producer traveled to Ostuni to attend the arts festival.

Haggis co-wrote, directed and produced “Crash,” which won the 2006 Academy Award for Best Cinematography and Best Screenplay.

He also wrote the screenplay for “Million Dollar Baby”, another Oscar winner.

He has had legal troubles in recent years related to allegations of sexual misconduct by four women in the United States.

AH // RBF

Lusa/end