Christophe Ruggia, a French film director, has been convicted of sexually abusing actress Adèle Haenel, who was underage at the time of the incidents.

Ruggia has received a prison sentence of four years, with two years of that sentence suspended, according to the ruling issued by a court in France.

The abuse occurred after Ruggia and Haenel met while working on the 2001 film 'The Devils.' At the time, Haenel was 12 years old, and Ruggia, then 36.

Adèle Haenel, noted for her performances in acclaimed films such as 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire,' publicly disclosed her allegations against Ruggia in November 2019. Her testimony emerged as part of the broader #MeToo movement that gained momentum in the French film industry, highlighting longstanding issues of sexual harassment and abuse within the sector.

The trial attracted significant attention, reflecting growing societal awareness and discourse surrounding sexual violence and the treatment of women in the entertainment industry.

Ruggia's conviction is one of the earliest major cases from the #MeToo movement in France, signaling a shift in the willingness of individuals to come forward and hold perpetrators accountable.

Following the verdict, Haenel expressed gratitude towards the legal process, emphasizing the importance of giving voice to survivors of sexual violence.

The case has further fueled ongoing discussions regarding reforms and necessary protections for individuals within the film industry, as well as broader societal changes related to issues of consent and abuse.