French authorities said Saturday that they are investigating a rape accusation against Valerian filmmaker Luc Besson, who denies wrongdoing. A judicial official told The Associated Press that said a 27-year-old woman filed a complaint Friday accusing the 59-year-old director of drugging and penetrating her at the hotel Bristol in Paris. The official was not authorized to be publicly named. BFM television and Europe-1 radio cite Besson’s lawyer as saying he denies the accusations. His attorneys did not return messages from the AP. The reports came as the Cannes Film Festival wrapped up; accusations of sexual misconduct and inequality in the movie industry have been prominent themes at the festival this year. Besson has produced nearly 100 films and written and directed many of them. His films include the Taken series, The Fifth Element and Leon. His Europa Corp. production company didn’t respond to requests for comment.
After celebrating her 52nd birthday and the 25th anniversary of her groundbreaking janet. album, Janet Jackson capped off the week with her first televised performance in nine years, at the Billboard Music Awards. Jackson also received the Icon Award on Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, where today’s hitmakers took the stage, including Ariana Grande and John Legend. Others who hit the stage included K-pop group BTS, Shawn Mendes and the choir from Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Camila Cabello, Dua Lipa, Zedd, Maren Morris, Salt-N-Pepa, En Vogue and Khalid, who won top new artist. Kelly Clarkson, who has become a fan favorite as a judge on The Voice, hosted the three-hour awards show. Ed Sheeran, who tied with Kendrick Lamar and Bruno Mars for the most nominations with 15 each, won the night’s biggest award — top artist — over performers including Taylor Swift and Drake. Presenters at the Billboard Awards included Tyra Banks, Alison Brie, The Chainsmokers, Andy Cohen, Simon Cowell, Halsey, Nick Jonas, Mila Kunis, Padma Lakshmi and Rebel Wilson.
