Oscar-Winning Screenwriter Paul Haggis Charged With Sexual Assault In Italy

Oscar-winning screenwriter Paul Haggis has been arrested by Italian authorities after he allegedly sexually assaulted a woman while on a trip to Italy. He is alleged to have held a woman against her will for two days and forced her to have sex with him in Brindisi, Italy.

Haggis is facing charges of sexual assault and aggravated personal injury. He was denied all of these claims.

“Under Italian Law, I cannot discuss the evidence. That said, I am confident that all allegations will be dismissed against Mr. Haggis,” Haggis’ personal attorney Priya Chaudhry said in a public statement.

Haggis is known for writing two Oscar-winning films, Million Dollar Baby and Crash, which he also directed.

Haggis was acting as a lecturer at several masterclasses at the Allora Fest, a film event created by journalist Silvia Bizo and art critic Sol Costales.

In a statement released by the event, the creators said that they “learned with dismay and shock the news that Paul Haggis is in custody for alleged violence.”

“Immediately proceeded to remove any participation of the director from the event,” they added.