Claude Jutra had sex with underage boys, new biography alleges

A new biographyabout Claude Jutraan actor, writer and director who is consideredone of the founding fathers of Quebec cinemasays he had sexual relations with boys as young as 13.

Yves Lever, a retired cinema professor and movie critic who wrote the biography, told Radio-Canada in an interview that Jutra"liked boys who were 14 or 15 years oldand even younger."

Lever's book, to be released Tuesday, comes 30 years after Jutra's death.

The author said he conducted more than 30 interviews to write his book, andfive or six people who were "very close" to Jutracorroborated specific cases of Jutra having had sexual relationships with boys in their early teens.

"The main victim did not want to speak to me," despite several requests, Lever told Radio-Canada's Alain Gravel.

Lever said he submitted the names of the people he interviewed to hispublisher's lawyersto ensure the legality of his manuscript.

"I have all the necessary proof, but I am not writing a book about pedophilia," he said.

Lever said he was surprised at the controversy caused by the four pages in his book that detail Jutra's relations with "young boys."

"If we place ourselves in the 1960s and 1970s, if we know the victims, we understand very easily why no complaints were ever filed."

Lever, who describes Jutraas an "inspiration to everyone" in the world of cinema, said he is well aware of the significance of the revelations in his book, but doesn't believe they will tarnish the reputation of the filmmaker.

Jutra'sbest-known films include MononcleAntoineand Kamouraska,with the latter starringGeneviveBujold.

Committee to look into allegations

Sgolne Roederer, the director of Qubec Cinma, said a committee will look into the allegations.

"We have to think about the best way to continue our work and not to just react to some allegations which are not proved for now," she said.

Quebec Culture Minister HlneDavid reminded Quebecers that the book has not been released yet.

"We are still dealing with allegations.We are all prudent about something that, for the time being, has no face or name," David said.

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre said the allegations sentshockwaves throughout Quebec's cinema community.

"It's an allegation that is very, very serious, so we will take the time to look at that. We can't defend the indefensible. If this is the case, we will take concrete action, but for now we will go step by step," Coderre said.

Places in Quebec namedafter Claude Jutra

• Croissant Claude-Jutra in Montreal.
• Claude-Jutra Park in Montreal.
• Place Claude-Jutra in Repentigny.
• Claude-Jutra Street in Quebec City.
• Claude-Jutra Street in Lvis.
• Claude-Jutra Street in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville.
• Claude-Jutra Street in Blainville.
• Jutra Street in Candiac
• Quebec's French-language annualcinema awardsLaSoiredesJutraare also named after him.