Award for actor accused of sexual harassment draws fire

A decision by the directors of the Haifa International Film Festival to uphold the best actor award for Moshe Ivgy, who has been accused of sexual harassment by a number of women with whom he has worked, has drawn furious responses from women's organizations, from politicians, and from the local film industry.

The Directors Guild issued a statement saying: "There is a flaw in the very nomination and win [of Moshe Ivgy], and it would have been appropriate to demonstrate more sensitivity and not ignore the investigative situation Ivgy is in as part of the considerations to award [him] the prize. The guild sees sexual harassment, on set and off it, as humiliating, contemptible conduct and will continue to work to broaden awareness of the problem and to contain it."

MK Ksenia Svetlova (Zionist Union) said Tuesday that "the choice of Ivgy as the prize winner is very problematic. You cannot award a prize to someone who harasses women and makes that ugly phenomenon the norm."

Meretz chairwoman Zehava Galon said, "Nominating Ivgy for the prize reflects forgiveness and laxity toward the sex crimes he is accused of and [is an insult to] the women who have complained."

MK Shelly Yachimovich (Zionist Union) wrote a post on her Facebook page stating: "Boo to the judges who voted to grant Ivgy the price for best actor at the Haifa Film Festival. There weren't 10 other actors who aren't sex offenders to whom you could have given the prize? What the hell do you think you're doing-"

Attorney Liat Bahar Cohen, who represents one of Ivgy's alleged victims, said in her client's name on Tuesday that "my client was shocked that [Ivgy] took part in the film festival this year of all years, and in Haifa. Needless to say, it prompted her to skip the festival, which she has attended for years. She thinks that the judges' panel decision to give Ivgy the award and the festival management's decision to uphold it are inappropriate."

Attorney Zion Amir, who represents Ivgy, said: "The justified desire to limit sexual harassment cannot come at the expense of a fair, proper legal process that respects not only the complainants' rights, but also the right of the subject of the investigation while protecting the presumption of innocence. A person is innocent until proven otherwise.

"The judging panel, comprising three women and two men, made a correct, balanced decision, looking at the actor's talents and his contribution to the film," Amir said.