Three women have come forward alleging they were subjected to sexual violence by Spanish filmmaker Carlos Vermut, a notable figure who won the Golden Shell at the San Sebastian Film Festival for The Magical Girl (2014). The assertions, reported in a recent study, describe a pattern of coercive behavior linked to his status as a director and screenwriter from Madrid. Vermut has responded by saying that he engaged in rough sex only when it was consensual and emphasizes that any sexual activity occurred within a framework of mutual agreement.
The claims reference incidents said to have occurred between May 2014 and February 2022, involving a film student, a production worker, and another member of the cultural sector. The accounts portray Vermut as leveraging his recognition and professional influence to exert control and engage in sexual activity without consent.
“Humiliating treatment”
One account describes a woman who was drinking Vermut when the director restrained her, allegedly strangling and forcing sexual activity. She recalls verbal and physical signs of coercion and says she attempted to escape by kicking. The description includes moments of pressure that extended beyond mere words, including physical proximity that personifies a power imbalance.
A different account involves an aspiring director who recounts how Vermut would approach her with advancing intimacy, including attempts to kiss and touch her, and how she eventually removed her clothing in the course of the encounter without clear consent. The narrative points to a lack of clear boundaries and the fear of speaking up due to the potential impact on her budding career.
A third person, who previously worked with Vermut and reportedly hoped for a career opportunity promised by him, alleges being confined to the filmmaker’s residence after months of coercive behavior. The episode is described as degrading on multiple levels, encompassing both verbal and physical abuse. The accounts suggest a pattern of controlling conduct in the context of sexual relationships that the individuals did not consent to. None of the women proceeded to contact police at the time, with fears surrounding job security or future employment prospects cited as major factors.
Response and context
Vermut provided statements asserting a lack of awareness about any sexual violence and contends that any sexual activity described was always consensual rough sex. He acknowledged that someone in a household environment might feel unsettled afterwards, and he admitted that he understood why such feelings might arise. He also noted that fear could have inhibited reporting at the time.
Vermut, now 43, released his debut feature, Diamond Flash, in 2011. He later earned recognition at the San Sebastian festival for The Magical Girl, including a directing award and the festival’s Golden Oyster. His most recent project, Manticore, is described as a work that delves into darker themes through the lens of a disturbed individual grappling with troubling impulses.