French sexual abuse scandals prompt scrutiny of porn industry exploitation and lack of legal regulation across Europe.
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In France, heightened public attention on sexual abuse follows a recent non-violent crime case involving Giséle Pelicot, leading to investigations into two pornographic websites, “Jacquie and Michel” and “French Bukkake.” Forty-two women filed civil lawsuits, while investigations are ongoing against sixteen men, including producers and actors, for crimes such as rape, participation in sexual assault, aggravated kidnapping, human trafficking for sexual purposes, and distribution of sexually explicit images. According to the lawsuits, an employee of one website recruited women online who were financially and psychologically vulnerable, offering them contracts for sex. The plaintiffs claim they were victims of “recruitment rape,” a traumatic experience designed to break the victim’s will. Allegations include humiliation, verbal abuse, physical assault, drugging, and lack of informed consent regarding scenes or partners. Furthermore, videos were published on public websites instead of exclusive platforms, and some participants later recognized those featured in their private lives or workplaces. A book by a collective of female writers documented these experiences. The introduction to the book notes that pornography is a massive global industry generating billions, with France being a major consumer market for platforms like Pornhub. While consumption is high across Europe and Hungary, legal frameworks are lacking; while some countries have age verification systems or laws against child pornography, there is no unified EU regulation protecting performers. Some companies, like Lust Films, promote “ethical porn” based on consent and respect, and some major players are adopting ethical codes following scandals. Activists suggest that criminalizing the glorification of sexual violence could be an effective legal response to industry abuses.
