According to several Italian press reports and a note from the prosecutor in the neighboring city of Brindisi, Haggis is accused of forcing a young “foreigner” – a non-Italian – woman to have sex for two days in Ostuni. He was scheduled to hold several master classes at the Allora Fest, a new film event launched by Los Angeles-based Italian journalist Silvia Bizio and Spanish art critic Sol Costales Doulton in Ostuni from June 21 to June 26. Bizio confirmed to Variety that Haggis is in custody. The Allora Fest said in a statement that “they were shocked and shocked to learn that Paul Haggis was in custody for alleged violence.” The directors of the festival “immediately proceeded to remove any participation of the director from the event” and “At the same time they express their full solidarity with the woman involved”, they add. “The themes chosen for the festival are, among others, those of equality, gender equality and solidarity. “As professionals and women, they are frustrated and hope that the festival will help raise awareness and awareness on such a topical and increasingly pressing issue,” the statement said. Variety contacted Haggis representatives for comment. According to a report by the Italian police, the alleged victim, after being attacked, was transported by Haggis to Papola Casale airport in Brindisi and left there on Sunday morning at dawn, despite the “precarious physical and psychological conditions”. At the airport, the alleged rape victim, who was “confused”, was assisted by airport staff and border police who, after giving her first aid, escorted her to the offices of the mobile squad unit of the Italian squadra. The police officers then transported the woman to A. Perrino Hospital in Brindisi, where the so-called “pink protocol” of Italy for rape victims came into force. The alleged victim then filed formal charges against Haggis. Haggis, who wrote “Million Dollar Baby” and co-wrote and directed the Oscar-winning “Crash,” was sued in 2018 by journalist Haleigh Breest, who claimed he raped her violently after a 2013 premiere. The lawsuit prompted three additional women to make their own allegations of sexual harassment against Haggis, who categorically denied the allegations. The trial is still pending due to delays for COVID.
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