James Franco seen with full beard and smile during rare public outing in France after actor’s departure from Hollywood

JAMES Franco has taken another step closer to a full return to Hollywood with his latest release.

The movie star spoke at an event in France on Thursday after years away from the spotlight.

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James, 46, was captured at the Biarritz International Film Festival where he was invited on stage.

The festival screened James’ 2012 film Spring Breakers and the actor gave a talk before the event.

James was all smiles as he entered the festival, stopping on the sidewalk to take photos.

The comedy and drama actor wears dark hair with a “James Dean Death Cult” baseball cap, making it even more discreet with sunglasses.

He wore a graphic tee, with a unique jacket that appeared to be covered in doodles.

James took off his sunglasses on stage, giving a clearer view of his scruffy beard, in contrast to his more groomed appearance in the past.

DISCREET

James’ movie event came after he stepped away from Hollywood after being accused of sexual misconduct.

Although James has worked on other projects, the last time he released a film was in 2019.

The lull in the actor’s career came after a series of allegations against him, beginning in 2018, when several women he taught or mentored accused him of inappropriate behavior.

Then, in 2019, James’ film school, Studio 4, was accused of being a “scheme” to “exploit” students.

Two of his students accused James of “sexual misconduct” and suggested that he gather female students together for James and his friends to “take advantage of.”

James settled the lawsuit with a payout in 2021 and admitted to sleeping with female students a year later.

He also added that he had been in treatment for sexual addiction since 2016, but did not address all of the sexual assault allegations in the lawsuits.

Timeline of James Franco Controversy

Here is a summary of the claims and lawsuits settled against him

• In 2018, more than five women, including several students at his film school, accused him of sexual misconduct
• 2019, two Studio 4 students took legal action against James and his partners
• 2021 – James and associated entities agreed to pay $2,235,000.
• 2021- Seth Rogen has distanced himself – “I despise abuse and harassment”
• 2022- James admitted to “sleeping with several students”

CANNES NOT YOU?

Considering James’ relative absence from Hollywood, some were shocked to see him at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

James was accompanied by his girlfriend Izabel Pakzad, 31, at the exclusive festival, but some fans claimed he shouldn’t have been invited to the red carpet event.

“Last year was Johnny Deepthis year it’s James Franco and Shia Labeouf. Why is Cannes so obsessed with redeeming men accused of sexual abuse and assault?” complained one person on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“It’s disgusting,” said another social media user.

James seemed unfazed by the criticism and was seen going out at night in Paris on June 1, shortly after the festival.

The actor was accompanied by model Izabel, and the duo met up with another couple in the early hours of the morning.

James and Izabel have been dating since 2017 and went public the following year.

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