In a distressing revelation, New York filmmaker A.M Lukas, also known as Anna Martemucci, has come forward with allegations of drugging and rape against Nuno Lopes, the renowned Portuguese star of Netflix’s drama series White Lines.
The incident is said to have occurred in 2006 after an event at the Tribeca Film Festival, where Lukas, a recent film school graduate, attended a friend’s premier party.
Accusations and Legal Action:
Lukas filed a lawsuit in New York on Monday, strategically timing it just three days before the deadline under the state’s Adult Survivors Act.
This legislation temporarily lifts the statute of limitations for historic sexual offenses, allowing survivors to seek legal recourse.
Lukas accuses Lopes of spiking her drink at the festival event and taking her to his apartment, where the alleged assault occurred.
Challenges and Seeking Justice:
The filmmaker, known for her work such as the 2018 short film “One Cambodian Family Please for My Pleasure,” revealed the profound impact of the attack, stating that she needed anti-HIV medication and has since struggled with PTSD as memories of the incident resurfaced.
Lukas expressed a determination to challenge a culture that allows perpetrators to evade consequences while victims suffer in silence.
Despite offering Lopes an opportunity to acknowledge and apologize for his actions, he reportedly declined.
Detailed Accounts and Legal Response:
The lawsuit provides harrowing details of the alleged assault, describing Lukas’s body feeling unusually heavy after being introduced to Lopes.
Lukas claims to have little immediate memory of the night, except for disturbing moments involving Lopes.
The legal filing also mentions Lopes’s actions the following morning, calling her a cab and providing money.
Lukas’s attorney, Michael Willemin, commended her bravery in coming forward and criticized the film industry for enabling such behavior.
Facing the Spotlight:
Nuno Lopes, with a significant following on Instagram and acting credits in 52 productions, now faces public scrutiny and a legal battle.
Lukas anticipates potential attempts to invalidate her but remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice.
This case underscores the broader issue of accountability in the entertainment industry and the importance of survivors speaking out against misconduct, challenging existing power dynamics, and demanding justice.
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