We prove that each irreducible component of the cohomology jump loci of rank one local systems over a compact K\"ahler manifold contains at least one torsion point. This generalizes a theorem of Simpson for smooth complex projective varieties. An immediate consequence is the conjecture of Beauville and Catanese for compact K\"ahler manifolds. We also provide an example of a compact K\"ahler manifold, whose cohomology jump loci can not be realized by any smooth complex projective variety.
Categories: math.AG