In a recent turn of events, director Samuel Theis, known for his role in Justine Triet's "Anatomy of a Fall," has been removed from the production of his third directorial outing, "Je te jure," following allegations of rape made by a crew member. The incident occurred during a party held on July 1, halfway through the shoot, as reported by French newspaper Liberation.

According to the crew member involved, who had spent the night in an apartment where the party took place, he alleged that he was raped by Theis in the early morning hours. The filmmaker has maintained that the encounter was consensual. The accusation prompted the crew member to leave the shoot.

Caroline Bonmarchand, the producer of "Je te jure," took swift action upon learning of the accusation. She enlisted the services of a third-party organization to conduct an internal investigation within the cast and crew. During the ongoing probe, a solution was devised that involved physically removing Theis from the set and having him direct the film remotely. Theis would arrive in the morning before the shoot started, organize the day's proceedings, and then retire to another room. Actors could approach him if needed, and communication with the crew was facilitated through monitors.

Bonmarchand, who had previously undergone training to prevent sexual harassment and assault on set, stated that this protocol enabled the production to be completed despite the difficult circumstances. Additionally, crew members were provided with the option to speak to a psychologist for support.

The shooting of "Je te jure" concluded in July, and it has been reported by Telerama magazine that the crew member has since filed a police complaint against Theis. However, Theis' attorney, Marie Dosé, has not been made aware of any official complaint and has not been contacted regarding an ongoing investigation.

Dosé stated, "The only investigation on this case was ordered by the production and carried out by an independent organization. It was delivered in September and it was 300 pages long - the conclusion is that there were no elements qualifying what happened as a sexual assault." She further noted that the report included a witness who had entered the bedroom where Theis and the accuser were present and described it as a "tender moment."

"Je te jure" features a mix of non-professional actors and prominent French stars such as Marina Foïs and Louise Bourgoin. Caroline Bonmarchand, acclaimed as one of France's top producers, helms the project through her company, Avenue B Productions, which has produced several successful films including Sebastien Marnier's "The Origin of Evil."

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these allegations will impact the future of Samuel Theis and the film "Je te jure."