On stage, actor proclaims he’s innocent of sex assault claims

Israeli theater and television actor Moshe Ivgy proclaimed his innocence Sunday amid allegations that he had committed sexual assault offenses against several female actors, insisting on stage, in front of hundreds of spectators, that he had never “intentionally hurt anyone.”

“These are difficult days for my family,” the veteran actor said, addressing the audience at the conclusion of the premiere of his new play at the ZOA theater in Tel Aviv. “I have respect for all human beings. I’m respectful toward all the men and women that I work with.”

“I repeat: I never attempted to intentionally hurt anyone,” he continued.

The Israeli actor went on to say that he did not want to discuss the allegations against him with media outlets, but would comply with any investigation into the claims.

“Thank you all,” he concluded, as the crowd applauded enthusiastically.

The allegations against Ivgy sparked outrage among women’s rights groups, with many activists calling for a boycott of the actor’s Sunday premiere. But despite the calls, hundreds of people crowded the theater, among them a number of prominent Israeli actors, playwrights, and cultural icons who attended the show as an expression of support for Ivgy.

Police on Sunday launched a probe into the sexual assault claims against the actor. As part on the probe, which is not yet considered an official investigation, two women were approached by police and asked if they were prepared to lodge a formal complaint and testify against Ivgy. The two women had each claimed individually that they were sexually harassed by the actor at different times and places. The latest complaint refers to an incident that allegedly occurred in 2013.

Police believe the women will choose not to testify against Ivgy.

“My client has been going through some rough days,” said Ivgy’s lawyer, Zion Amir, in a press release on Friday. “Both he and I believe that these are crucial issues that should be looked into by the bodies authorized to do so. My client will be happy to submit his version of events if he is required to do so.”

Daniel Douek contributed to this report.