While filmmaker Ciro Guerra might not be a household name such as Harvey Weinstein, Woody Allen, and Roman Polanski, he does currently find himself the subject of horrific sexual assault allegations. The accusations, published via Volcanicas, come from eight separate women who claim that the Colombian director sexually harassed them, while one of them claims that Guerra actually raped her. With the allegations made public, Guerra went online to defend himself against what he claims are “falsehoods.”
In a video posted online, Guerra spoke about the allegations, defending himself against claims of harassment and assault, saying the women’s accounts are “completely false.”
“I want to state that the publication today of grave accusations in the online magazine Volcanicas …against me are completely false,” the filmmaker said (via Deadline). “I committed none of the falsehoods I am accused of.”
He added, “In view of the nature and gravity of those accusations, I don’t have any other option but to pursue legal avenues to clear my name. I ask that you wait before passing judgment for justice to reveal the truth in this case. I like to say I’m sorry to all the people who have been affected by this article and having to read these horrific and false words. I have the peace of knowing that I am innocent.”
Guerra is probably best known for his Oscar-nominated feature, 2015’s “Embrace of the Serpent.” Since then, he’s helmed “Birds of Passage,” which was one of our favorite features from 2018, as well as the upcoming film, “Waiting for the Barbarians.” The latter film stars Robert Pattinson, Johnny Depp, and Mark Rylance, and was poised to be Guerra’s breakout film for English-speaking audiences. Guerra is also attached to the upcoming Amazon miniseries, “Cortés.”
You can watch the filmmaker’s response to the allegations below: