Benjamin Lavernhe Expresses Devastation Over Abbé Pierre Allegations
Benjamin Lavernhe, the actor who portrayed Abbé Pierre in the 2023 biopic "L'Abbé Pierre, une vie de combats," has publicly expressed his feelings of devastation and betrayal following numerous allegations of sexual assault against the late priest. Speaking on the France 2 program "Beau Geste" on November 10, Lavernhe reflected on the shocking revelations that have emerged since July, which include testimonies from 25 women detailing incidents of sexual violence spanning from the 1950s to the 2000s.
Lavernhe described the situation as "terrible" and emphasized his thoughts for the victims, stating, "Of course, we feel a great betrayal, a great sadness. Shock. I'm looking for words, but it's hard to find them. Dread, because in a way, he was a friend. I feel like I knew him a little. Not so well." Despite never having met Abbé Pierre, Lavernhe invested deeply in his role, which contributed to his sense of personal connection to the figure.
The actor lamented the duality of human nature, questioning how someone capable of extraordinary acts could also engage in such reprehensible behavior. "How could this guy who did so many extraordinary things behave so badly?" he asked, highlighting the complexity of human character.
Impact on the Film and Its Team
The film, directed by Frédéric Tellier, was presented out of competition at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and aimed to celebrate the life and legacy of Abbé Pierre, a prominent figure in the 20th century known for his humanitarian efforts and founding of the Emmaüs movement. However, the recent allegations have cast a shadow over the film's reception. Lavernhe noted that the film's crew is now "devastated" by the news, as they were unaware of the accusations during production.
In a statement released in September, the film's team expressed their shock, asserting that the crimes were unknown to them and the public at the time of filming. They acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the need for time to process the revelations. Archbishop Éric de Moulins-Beaufort also commented on the matter, indicating that some within the Church had been aware of the allegations for decades, which adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding story.
