Luc Besson: French police investigate film director over rape allegation

Police in France are investigating a rape accusation made against film maker Luc Besson.

Besson, one of France's best-known film directors, reportedly denies wrongdoing after the complaint was made on Friday.

A 27-year-old woman claims Besson drugged her before the alleged incident at the hotel Bristol in Paris, a judicial official told Associated Press.

BFM television and Europe-1 radio cite Besson's lawyer as saying he denies the accusations.

It comes as the Cannes Film Festival closes with allegations of sexual misconduct in the film industry dominating themes at the event.

Besson, a writer, director and producer, is the man behind the Taken film series starring Liam Neeson as well as 1997 French sci-fi film The Fifth Element.