Dakota Fanning 'raped' in film
Aug. 7, 2006: Prosecutors in Wilmington, N.C., said they were "aware" of a scene for the movie "Hounddog" in which the character played by 12-year-old actress Dakota Fanning was violently raped, and said if an investigation were launched, authorities could consider sexual exploitation charges.
"I am aware of that situation," district attorney Connie Jordan told WND. "The charge that would potentially apply to the scenario would be sexual exploitation of a minor."
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She said statutory rape laws would require the actual assault, and her understanding was that any assault was simulated. Third-degree or second-degree sexual exploitation would involve having or trading child pornography.
In "Hounddog," the 12-year-old Fanning played 9-year-old Lewellen, who is told she must sing for concert tickets to hear Elvis Presley. The script graphically described her clothes dropping to the floor before she sings, and an assailant unzipping his jeans.
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