Paul Haggis, an Oscar-winning Canadian screenwriter and filmmaker, was detained in southern Italy on Sunday on charges of sexual assault against an unidentified lady.
In Ostuni, Italy, Haggis was accused of forcing a young "foreign" (non-Italian) lady to engage in sexual intercourse over the period of two days.
"I am unable to discuss the evidence due to Italian law. Having said that, I am confident that all charges leveled against Mr. Haggis will be dismissed "According to Haggis' personal attorney.
She went on to say that Haggis was innocent and that he would cooperate with the authorities.
Haggis won Oscars for both "Million Dollar Baby" and "Crash," for which he co-wrote and directed.
Haggis was in Ostuni for numerous seminars at the Allora Fest, a new film festival that will take place from June 21 to June 26 in Ostuni.