Paul Haggis, a Canadian film director, has been imprisoned in Italy

• Oscar-winning director Paul Haggis is imprisoned in southern Italy
• He has allegations of sexual assault under his name

According to local authorities, Oscar-winning Canadian director Paul Haggis was detained in southern Italy on suspicion of serious sexual assault on Sunday.

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According to the ANSA and AGI agencies, the director and screenwriter was

“seriously suspected of the crimes of aggravated sexual assault and aggravated physical harm, crimes perpetrated to the disadvantage of a young foreign woman,” according to a statement from Brindisi prosecutors.

Haggis disputed the charges through his Italian lawyer, Michele Laforgia.

“Make inquiries as quickly as possible, I am completely innocent,” he told the agencies, quoting Laforgia.

After-hours queries for further information were not returned by the prosecutor’s office or Laforgia on Sunday.

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Haggis, 69, who wrote and produced the Oscar-winning film “Crash,” was set to headline the “Allora Fest” film festival, which kicks off Tuesday in Ostuni, Brindisi province.

Prosecutors claimed the suspected victim had been staying with Haggis ahead of the festival. (AFP)