Cannes Film Festival leadership has removed actor Théo Navarro-Mussy from the red-carpet lineup for Dominik Moll’s competition entry Dossier 137 amid allegations of rape and physical and psychological violence by three women. Delegate General Thierry Frémaux informed the film’s team of his decision after the actors’ association ADA alerted him to official complaints dating to 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Though French courts dismissed the criminal case in April 2025, the complainants have registered as civil parties and intend to appeal. Frémaux explained that, since the investigation remains active through the appeal, the festival will withhold public recognition of anyone under such inquiry, following the César Academy’s protocol for incidents of violence.
Dossier 137 producers Caroline Benjo and Carole Scotta, whose Haut et Court backed the political drama, affirmed their support for the ban. They noted that the alleged events occurred “well before the film was shot” yet agreed with festival management “out of respect for the plaintiffs and for the victims’ word, and without prejudice to the presumption of innocence.” They added that Moll has maintained a firm stance on issues of sexist and sexual misconduct.
Variety reached out to Navarro-Mussy’s representative, who did not immediately reply. According to AFP, this marks the first time Cannes has prevented an actor from appearing on its carpet over such allegations. Frémaux told Variety in April that the festival introduced a clause in its official-selection regulations this year to ensure submissions “respect the safety, integrity and dignity of all contributors” and meet legal requirements.
Dominik Moll’s Dossier 137, set against France’s yellow-vest protests, follows an investigator played by Léa Drucker as she probes the origins of a protester’s injury. Supporting roles feature Jonathan Turnbull, Mathilde Roehrich, Guslagie Malanda and Stanislas Merhar.