Actress Mandy Randon, who was sexually assaulted by Suda, criticised the Manoel Theatre for its decision.

“Seven years later, he still runs free. Still no one understands, still people make excuses, still people support him,” she said.

”Seven years later and I still suffer from the scars, my body still freezes yet shakes at the sight of his name,” Randon stated following news that John Suda was adapting and translating a play into Maltese for the theatre.

The Manoel Theatre then issued a statement to clarify Suda’s role in the production.

“By way of information, the script was originally written by French playwright Marc Camoletti and translated into English by Baverley Cross, and was adapted and translated into Maltese by Mario Micallef and John Suda 30 years ago. John Suda has had no relationship with the script since then,” it said.

“Teatru Manoel also confirms that John Suda has no involvement whatsoever in the co-production and will receive absolutely no compensation from Teatru Manoel or Talenti.”

Suda was accused by Randon in 2015 of sexually assaulting her and was handed a suspended sentence over the act.

The assault included him asking her to strip naked, and placing his penis in her mouth, whilst kissing her face and neck and urging her to recite her lines in a would-be ‘personal lesson’ from the theatre veteran.

In court, Suda admitted to the sexual abuse but said it was in order to test the actress’ ability to stay calm, and mentioned he’s done this with other female actresses.