Highlights
- James Franco remains in the spotlight despite scandal, seen with girlfriend looking casual in Paris.
- His girlfriend stood by him during his sexual misconduct allegations and subsequent legal troubles.
- Many of his former collaborators, including Seth Rogen, have distanced themselves from Franco.
James Franco was exposed for his alleged creepy behavior, but it doesn’t look like it’s taken a toll on his romantic life. The actor, who has taken a step back from the spotlight in recent years, was spotted out with his girlfriend, looking eager to avoid the swarming paparazzi.
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James Franco's acting school was viewed as problematic, resulting in a lawsuit that cost the actor over $2.2 million.
James Looked More Dishevelled Than Usual
The actor was spotted during a late-night excursion in Paris with his girlfriend, Izabel Pakzad. Photos acquired by The U.S. Sun depict James standing alongside Izabel as they awaited the arrival of two unidentified friends. The controversial star was dressed casually in a loose-fitting graphic sweater, baggy pants, and a Cannes Film Festival hat. He appeared noticeably heavier and had a scruffy beard.
While the couple seemed somewhat somber during their wait—James was seen leaning against a wall—they appeared more animated upon the arrival of their friends.
The group gathered on the sidewalk, illuminated by street lamps, and engaged in lively conversation and laughter before moving on to their next destination. James, however, trailed behind, struggling to keep up as the group advanced.
Franco’s Girlfriend Stayed With His During His Scandal
James and Izabel recently made a public appearance at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival (which explains Franco’s choice of headwear). The couple, who have been together since 2017, have weathered Franco's tumultuous fall from grace together.
In 2018, James Franco faced allegations of sexual misconduct from more than five women, including several students from his film school, Studio 4. Over a year later, two Studio 4 students escalated the accusations by filing a lawsuit against James and his partners. They claimed that the film school was a deceptive scheme designed to exploit the students, alleging harassment and sexually inappropriate behavior.
The suit further alleged that Franco and his associates misused their influence by saying they could influence whether they land roles or not.
One student recounted a distressing experience of performing in an orgy scene with Franco, during which he allegedly removed actresses’ vaginal guards while simulating oral sex.
Later that year, Franco acknowledged in an interview on The Jess Cagle Show podcast that he had engaged in sexual relationships with students from his film school.
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James Franco continues to find himself in controversy, but it may have changed the course of his brother Dave Franco's life and career, too.
In light of these revelations, Franco’s long-time collaborator, Seth Rogen, declared he would no longer work with Franco. The duo had appeared together in films like Pineapple Express, The Disaster Artist, This Is The End, The Interview, and Sausage Party. This began a pattern of many of James’ close associates and other famous names in the industry refusing to work with him.
James has had little work in the aftermath. Franco's last project was voicing a character in the animated film Arctic Dogs in 2019. It’s being reported that he’s currently working on several new projects and attended the 2024 Cannes Film Festival to promote his latest film, Razor's Edge.