Two former students from an acting school run by actor James Franco have initiated legal action against him, alleging sexual exploitation during their time there. The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court and claims that Franco, along with two associates, exploited female students at their now-defunct institution, Studio 4.
The plaintiffs, Emma Lewis and Mia Brooks, accuse the defendants of subjecting them to inappropriate auditions and film shoots, promising them roles that ultimately never came to fruition. According to reports, the women assert that Franco and his partners cultivated a sexually charged environment, manipulating their positions of authority to take advantage of students seeking acting opportunities. They contend that this behavior created a pervasive atmosphere of harassment and exploitation both inside and outside the classroom.
Background on Studio 4
Studio 4, which opened in 2014, required students to audition for classes, including one taught by Franco titled “Intimate Scenes,” for an additional fee of $750. “I looked up to him as an actor and felt honored to be selected based on merit,” Lewis stated.
This lawsuit is not the first time Franco has faced allegations of misconduct; former co-star Tara Evans has also accused him of inappropriate behavior on set. Lewis expressed her lack of awareness regarding “nudity riders,” which are agreements that outline the conditions under which nudity is permitted in productions. These riders aim to protect actors, limiting the number of individuals present during sensitive scenes.
“I was given opportunities to work with Franco because I participated in these scenes,” Lewis explained, noting that such chances were not afforded to many of her peers. Brooks added that most roles offered had nudity clauses, disproportionately affecting female students.
Claims and Allegations
The suit represents over 100 former female students from Studio 4, claiming the school aimed to create a pipeline of young women to objectify and exploit. Additionally, the complaint argues that the institution was structured to evade California’s regulations against charging actors for auditions. The women assert they were not only sexually exploited but also denied compensation as mandated by law.
The case garnered attention previously when Franco donned a “Time’s Up” pin at the 2018 Golden Globes, prompting Lewis and others to publicly challenge the actor’s sincerity. Franco’s attorney, Mark Reynolds, has categorically denied the allegations, asserting that similar claims have been previously disproven and pledging to seek damages for what he describes as a frivolous lawsuit.
Response from the Plaintiffs
In response to the alleged misconduct, Lewis emphasized the calculated nature of the exploitation: “They knew precisely who they were asking to perform these intimate scenes. They understood our career stage, which allowed them to avoid significant consequences by dismissing us as insignificant.”
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Conclusion
In summary, two former acting students have filed a lawsuit against James Franco, alleging sexual exploitation and fraud during their time at his acting school. The case highlights serious claims regarding a toxic environment and the exploitation of aspiring actresses.