Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting have filed a lawsuit against Paramount, alleging the film studio of sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, and intentional infliction of mental distress.
Hussey’s breasts and Whiting’s buttocks were displayed in the movie.
Paramount Faces Lawsuit Against Romeo And Juliet Stars
The actors, who were reportedly deceived into recording the sequence in the nude by director Franco Zeffirelli, filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court alleging sexual assault, sexual harassment, and fraud on their part.
According to the complaint, the late director Franco Zeffirelli allegedly informed the film’s leading performers that there would be no nudity, but then went back on his word.
Tony Marinozzi, a business manager for the actors, said in a statement to Variety on Tuesday, What they were told and what happened were two different things. They had faith in Franco. As 16-year-old actors, they followed his lead so that he would not breach their confidence.
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Actors Demand $500 Million
Zeffirelli, who passed away in 2019, allegedly informed the performers that a sex scene was required or the film will fail and that their decency would be concealed by cosmetics and camera angles.
Hussey and Whiting claim that they were recorded without their consent, which violates California and federal statutes against indecency and child exploitation.
These were extremely young, naive children in the 1960s who had no idea what was about to hit them, a counsel for the players stated, according to Variety. Additionally, they were violated in a manner they were unable to cope with.
The lawsuit alleges that both performers are seeking compensation estimated to exceed $500,000,000 to match the film’s earnings since its 1968 release.
The Independent has sought comment from Paramount.
Romeo and Juliet is a 1968 coming-of-age romantic drama film based on William Shakespeare’s play of the same name.
Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design Oscars were awarded to the film.
Additionally, it was nominated for Best Director and Best Picture, making it the last Shakespearean film to be nominated for the latter award.
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