Coline Berry Accuses Father Richard Berry of Incest and Rape

Coline Berry, a psychoanalyst and daughter of actor Richard Berry, provided testimony before the French National Assembly on April 29, 2026. Appearing before a parliamentary commission of inquiry focused on the judicial handling of parental incestuous sexual violence, Berry detailed allegations of systemic abuse suffered during her childhood.

During the session, Berry described a childhood defined by trauma, stating that she was born into violence. She alleged that she was subjected to repeated rapes almost every week by her father.

Legal History and the Statute of Limitations

The testimony follows a long-standing legal struggle to bring these allegations to court. Coline Berry first filed a formal complaint against Richard Berry in January 2021, alleging rape and sexual assault as a minor.

Despite the filing, the legal process did not result in a trial. In September 2022, the Paris prosecutor’s office announced that the investigation into the actor had been closed without further action. The decision was based on the statute of limitations, meaning the alleged crimes had occurred too far in the past to be prosecuted under current French law.

Berry’s appearance before the National Assembly on April 29, 2026, served as a public reiteration of these claims and a critique of the judicial system that allows such cases to be dismissed due to prescription laws.

Survival Strategies and Psychological Impact

In addition to the nature of the abuse, Berry spoke about the psychological toll and the methods she employed to survive her environment. She revealed the use of a dangerous survival strategy intended to protect herself from her father, describing it as the only way to protect herself at the time.

The testimony was characterized by its emotional intensity, with reports describing the account as shattering and chilling as she detailed the repetitive nature of the violence.

Industry Context and Public Accountability

Richard Berry is a prominent figure in French cinema and television, known for his work as both an actor and a director. The public nature of these accusations, moving from private legal filings to a parliamentary hearing, highlights a growing movement in France to address the systemic failure of the judiciary in protecting victims of incest.

By testifying before deputies, Berry aimed to elevate her personal experience into a broader legislative discussion, urging the government to reform how sexual violence within the family is treated by the courts to prevent cases from being dismissed solely on the basis of time elapsed.

“C’était des viols répétés presque chaque semaine”

Coline Berry, testifying at the National Assembly