Roman Polanski’s wife has asked a host of film stars to join her fight to prevent the director being extradited to America. The 76-year-old Oscar-winner – who fled the US to France in 1978 after being convicted of unlawful sex with a minor – was arrested on Saturday in Zurich, Switzerland, and faces being sent back to the US so his actress wife Emmanuelle Seigner has begun compiling a petition calling for his release.
Emmanuelle – who has spoken to her husband while he resides in a Swiss jail – is hoping A-list stars and important figures in the film industry will sign the sign the petition.
“Emmanuelle is outraged. She is rallying friends and colleagues from many years in the film industry.”
British director Stephen Frears, actress Monica Bellucci and writer Robert Harris have already spoken out in support and Emmanuelle is convinced more stars will show their support.
In 1977, Roman pleaded guilty to charges of having underage sex with 13-year-old Samantha Gailey, now known as Samantha Geimer. He believed he would face a jail term of just 42 days, and claimed a judge had reneged on a plea bargain deal to reduce the charges from rape and serious sexual assault if he admitted under-age sex.
Polanski – director of a host of acclaimed movies, including 1968′s ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ – plied Samantha with alcohol and sedatives while photographing her for a magazine shoot at actor Jack Nicholson’s Hollywood home. Nicholson was not present at the time of the incident.
Samantha – now a 45-year-old married mother – has previously asked prosecutors to drop the arrest warrant, while earlier this year lawyers acting for Polanski insisted the case should be dropped.
However, the Polish-born filmmaker was told he would have to appear in court in person, despite the original trial judge having been found guilty of misconduct. Before the arrest, Polanski was set to pick up a lifetime achievement award at the Swiss city’s film festival.
The Swiss Directors’ Association branded Saturday’s arrest “a cultural scandal”. However, the Swiss Justice Ministry insisted:
“There was a valid arrest request. We knew when he was coming – that is why he was taken into custody. He is in provisional detention with view to extradition.”
What’s your take on this horrible situation? Does time forgive a crime? Shouldn’t he be punished for what he did no matter how many decades have passed?
how is anyone going to proove anything after over 30 yrs.
i feel sorry for roman and his family. but i never belived the story, i always thought it was a set up.
I can’t believe Hollywood stars are backing him. Just because the guy has been nice to them and hired them doesn’t mean he shouldn’t go to jail. Child Molesters, rapists and murderers all have friends and family who like and love them and don’t want them to go to jail, but they’re opinion is biased. That’s why it’s left up to a court of law. The man drugged and raped a 13 year old girl, he belongs in jail. I don’t care how many great movies he’s made. And while I sympathize with the victim who just wants it all to go away, she can’t be mad and blame the gov’t for arresting him. Blame HIM for running away and dragging this out for decades.
Especially since she has played a rape victim in a movie and it was the most brutal rape scene I’ve ever seen in a movie in my entire life. You’d think she’s at least be able to comprehend that rape is not okay.
He admitted guilt, how is that a set up?
He vaginally and anally raped a 13 year old leaving semen all over/in her and in her underwear which was used as evidence against him.
Nothing needs to be proved. He admitted it. You are defending a man who drugged, raped, and sodomized a 13 year old child! Yes, that is correct he sodomized her. Polanski pled guilty to the lesser charge of sex with a minor in order to serve less time in jail. He admitted to knowing she was 13, giving her drugs and alcohol, and to the sex (which he said she enjoyed). Disgusting man! I will never watch another movie any of these celebs put out who defend him. All Harvery Weinstein movies are also off my list. Hollywood is indeed a very strange place where they will defend one of their own to the death. Pampered, spoiled, self-obessed hypocrites all of them.
only a human being can be selfish enough to say a human being is the most important being on the planet.
oh please….that’s a very aggressive comment…sounds like you say persons who defend polanski are okay with rape. really…you should learn how to discuss things and don’t judge people blind.
i have to question why you write “raping a child”. there are also grown up men and women who can be the victim of such crime.
of course it is a crime IN GENERAL. but your comment (and some others, too) are sounding like some people need a witchhunt. i mean it’s 30 years ago. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING is the well being of the victim. and she is okay with everything after all these years. who is also to blame is the mother of the victim. of course polanski is not innocent…but after 30 years…i mean this guy lives a very quiet life with kids by his own now. he was a big drug addict 30 years ago. you have to let people change.
nobody is acting crazy anymore about tyson or r. kelly and so on. they are criminals, too!
i’m sorry that i have to correct you. what polanski did is called rape…that’s right…but he is no pedophile because she was already in age of puberty.
bottom line is if she wants to drop the charges then the charges should be dropped.
so…then what’s with mike tyson?
nobody is talking about him. he is very popular and also a rapist. he guest stars in movies and tv-shows…so that’s okay for you?
to the person who made the michael vick comment:
doing cruelty to animals is one of the most disgusting thing on earth.
you can’t compare michael vick to roman polanski.
it is said that the victims’ mother wanted to milk her cash cow.
I agree with Christine1309 100%. It is unbelievable that in today’s society a pedophile, a rapist, and an abuser is supported because he is deemed artistic and a film genius, by the self-elected royalty of Hollywood. There is more to life than Hollywood, CA. I too will boycott films, music, of those who support the behavior of this man. Roman Polanski’s former sister in law made detrimental comments, that this rape was consensual. She was a 13 year old kid. A child. A child who was at the mercy of a pedophile. Stop blaming the victim. Money does not buy you class, nor should it buy you freedom for atrocious crimes. They may sign petitions and list, but I will too. I want to know who is publicly supporting him, so that I may not contribute my money towards them.
I understand why Roman Polanski fled the country 30 years ago because he actually had already served his time (which was about 45 days at that time) but then the judge decided in the last minute to not go with it and give him 50 years instead which was “illegal”. The thing is that what he did was a horrible horrible crime that even though form the view of the “legal” law the charges should actually be dropped, he for himself should see that he was actually lucky with those 45 days and that whatever he will get now is rightly deserved. No matter what we think or what anyone else thinks its on his conscience and he shouldn´t now look just for an easy way out or pound on his right (meaning that the charges should be dropped) but instead on what he did to her and then he will know that deep down he does deserve this. This goes aswell for all the other Hollywood people who defend him, I understand them but if they go deep down inside them and look at it properly they know he does deserve all this now
people are sick.
they support guys like tyson, vick, dmx, 2pac and so on, who are and were all criminals. they seem to forget really, really fast.
and think about those gangster rappers with drug dealer past and whatever…they have a big success. WTF?
I wonder what these celebrities (or other supporters? would be saying if this crime occurred recently and to “one of their own”, like one of their daughters? These people seriously make me concerned for the future of the human race!! BTW I think Michael Vick and Mike Tyson should both have done more time. Get your heads out the sand, people!!
I’ve often wondered the same thing. Everyone thinks it’s a big joke that he’s so “crazy” but forget that he raped a woman and beat his ex-wife. It’s disgusting the way the actions of these scumbags (him and Polanski) are condoned.
Just goes to show you the egos on these people. The guy RAPED a 13 year old girl and then fled the country because he knew he was guilty and didn’t want to face the consequences.
Seriously, the fact that these people think they’re above the law – or that time should soften the severity of the actions – makes me want to vomit. I’m sure time hasn’t softened anything for the victim. Why should it be any different for him.
Nasty little !@#$% weasel and his nasty spoiled wife. They should both go to jail.
The judge may have acted innapropriately during Polanskis trial, but he should have not fled the country. He could have put in a appeal and he probably would have gotten one. There were other avenues for him to take. It was his choice to flee instead of fight for it. Now he is going to have to deal with the repercussions for his actions, and it is about damn time!
Well said!!!
he admitted to the crime and fled. why do people think he can be forgiven if he never served his jail time?
Because some people believe that they are above the law. Sad, but true.
it doesnt matter how long ago it was when all of that happened. he needs to be brought back to the u.s and be prosecuted.
Micheal Vick did how many months in prision–I think 18. How is what he did worse then what RP did to a 13 year old girl. It does not matter how long ago it was. He is a rich white hollyweird guy. If he was black, it would be a different story and we all know that!! How about the black teen who had sex with his girlfriend and was sent to jail. The two were only a year apart in age and she wanted to have sex too. She was not drugged. She had sex with a guy she like or even loved. Not a dirty old 44 year old man who drugged her and took nude photos of her!!
What other stars will actually support this? I’m already sad Bellucci has.
No, he did not serve his time of 45 days. He was sent for a 45 day psych evaluation after which the judge would sentence him. Yes there was a plee deal for time served but he was told when he made the plee that under California law the judge DID NOT have to follow the prosecuter’s recommendation. There were some issues with some possible improper communications the judge had. And polanski could have used this info for an appeal of any sentence or even requested the judge step aside and have a different judge assigned. But he decide to flee the country. So even if he served his time for the original case, which he didn’t because he wasn’t sentenced before he ran away, he still fled from the court which is a separate that he should also be prosecuted for.
The man is a rapist and should be held responsible for his actions. As for the victim asking for the charges to be dropped – I find it hard to believe she was his only victim. I am disgusted by the celebrities supporting this monster and refuse to contribute to their wealth/celebrity that may give them the power to help this man or other “artists” like him escape charges. I am boycotting the work of all celebrities in support of Roman Polanski.
The support of the Hollywood sleezebags doesn’t surprise me. I will say this all you nasty people in Hollywood who support this scum better never let ME see you speak out against child abuse because I will lead an internet uprising against you.Child molestation is NEVER ok especially just because it was your friend doing it. No matter how long ago it happened no matter what, what he did was wrong and disgusting and if it had been an everyday person this entire nation would be condemning him. Don’t blindly follow hollywood morons think for yourself WE ALL KNOW AN OLD MAN SODOMIZING A 13 YEAR OLD GIRL IS WRONG.
He should serve time for being a coward and fleeing.
It must be nice to live his life for 3 decades avoiding serving his sentence. He knew that if he came to the united states that he would be arrested. Remember a few years ago when the industry wanted to award him with a lifetime achievement award but could not do to his inability to set foot in the U.S. So it’s not like Roman did not know there was an arrest warrant out there. I just think that everyone wants to praise him for all his good works in the film industry. Well he got to have that fame by avoiding the arrest warrant. Maybe he should give all the wealth back. And the bigger question is what if the 13 year old girl was your daughter or sister?? how would you feel then. Say it was Dakota Fanning . Would the film industry be so forgiving.!! The 13 year old girl is someones daughter, sister. So let’s not forget her. I’m not surprised that Woody Allen is supporting Roman. Let’s not forget what he did with his girlfriends underage daughter. Just because he married her, doesn’t make what he did when she was a minor ok.
I agree with CeeCee, and would like to boycott the Stars who are supporting this coward, fugitive child rapist. I figure there are two types of supporters he has…
Those people are perv’s themselves; Woody Allen, … first wife was 16 yr. old when they married, Woody was 19 yr. old. Later he was caught by long time partner, Mia Farrow, with naked pictures of her adopted daughter, Soon-Yi. He then left Mia to be with her adopted daughter.
And down and out of work stars, hoping to get a role in his next movie… Debra Winger; Loved you in ‘Urban Cowboy’ (1980), and ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ (1982). But that was almost 30 yrs ago! Don’t you think it’s time to get rid of the same 1980′s hair-do?
I doubt Roman Polanski would have all these followers if he were a Catholic Priest who drugged, raped, and sodomized a 13 yr old girl, plead guilty, then fleed the country, becoming a fugitive for 30 yrs!
Anyone know where to get a list of these people petioning for his release?
Nothing or anything is more important than a human being. What Michael Vick did pales in comparison to harming a child. Why do we continue to devalue human life. With people like you, it won’t be a crime to rape a child of any age. One should never put animal life ahead of human life. With that said, I do believe we need to respect the lives of animals and treat all life with compassion.
Please don’t support him.
Polanski isn’t being imprisoned because of the rape he committed. If this were the case, he would have been apprehended many, many years ago.
What Polanski did was appalling, though I believe it is not uncommon in high society circles. However, the victim feels that a civil suit has resolved this some time ago and it is not in the interest of her or her family for further action to be taken. She has requested that all charges be dropped.
The real issue is the release of the film ‘Ghost’ which Polanski has been working on. It was due for release at the end of this year and has now been shelved. There are people with power and influence who do not wish ordinary people to see and consider the information presented in this film.
We should all be very concerned about the enormous efforts being made to suppress this film – in a supposedly ‘free’ society.
I would recommend that everyone read the book – to determine what this case is really all about.
Polanski isn’t being imprisoned because of the rape he committed. If this were the case, he would have been apprehended many, many years ago.
What Polanski did was appalling, though I believe it is not uncommon in high society circles. However, the victim feels that a civil suit has resolved this some time ago and it is not in the interest of her or her family for further action to be taken. She has requested that all charges be dropped.
The real issue is the release of the film ‘Ghost’ which Polanski has been working on. It was due for release at the end of this year and has now been shelved. There are people with power and influence who do not wish ordinary people to see and consider the information presented in this film.
We should all be very concerned about the enormous efforts being made to suppress this film – in a supposedly ‘free’ society.
I would recommend that everyone read the book – to determine what this case is really all about.
Actually Polanski was to serve 90 days and he got out after only 42, then afraid he would face more jail time and deportation he fled the US. Polanski is a sexual predator who belongs behind bars. he admitted to having sex with the minor, none of his celeb friends deny that. It is alleged he drugged her, but even if he didn’t it was still statutory rape. Polanski has a history of young and underage girls like 15 year old Nastassja Kinski. He belongs in jail and then deported
Uh, never mind about animals when a HUMAN BEING was raped and sodomized.
Yeah, it’s okay to think like a decent human being and thinking raping a little girl is wrong. Where’s your bloody brain?
Idiot.
Was there really illegal things done by the judge, was that just a defense claim, or did the judge actually have the discretion to disregard the prosecutor’ plea deal and apply his sentence, based on the crime involved?
Connecting The Dots.
If the Accuser (child) didn’t press charges, then the Accused (adult) wouldn’t have been arrested, who by the way acknowledged his guilt in the crime of Rape (child).
At this stage, it’s The State of California vs. Roman Polanski (criminal court)… not Victim vs. Roman Polanski (as in small claims court).
What the victim says now cannot free Mr. Polanski. He has his due process (Appeal) once he’s “back in the fold” so to speak.
So if someone rapes you and doesn’t answer for it for thirty years its okay. Especially if you get money, thats very interesting. How about it someone murders you, after thirty years your family shouldn’t care as long as they got money. I mean, this man did murder her innocence. Its interesting how money can heal your wounds.
I do not see how you can say that the money spent for a trial should be used to support battered women and rape victims, when in the same breath, you feel that someone who raped a 13-year-old child (and pleaded guilty to the act) should be let off scott-free simply because he fled justice for 30 years. What kind of message is that to send to anyone who is violated by a rapist or pedophile? No matter how much time has passed, or how wealthy and artistically esteemed Polanski is, it’s possible he would garner more respect if he finally faces the music and accepts the justice of the courts. I guarantee that whatever punishment is dolled out, it will be much lighter than what the public would deem appropriate given the circumstances of the crime.
I don’t condone what Roman did however there were so many illegal things done by the Judge and the CA legal system that the case should be dropped. Roman and his victim have have both moved on with their lives. The victin received a monetary settlement and has no desire to be part of the media circus a trial like this would entail. It is outrageous that after 30 years they are willing to waste what will amount to over a million dollars on a trial. Wouldn’t that money be better spent building a new shelter for battered women and rape victims. Shame on you CA!
yeah, but while he is not prosecuted he is sending the message that if you’re rich and famous yuo can get away with anything
no, he must be prosecuted, just like any mortal
Sorry but I have to disagree with you. He could have fought for an appeal and if there was misconduct during his trial he would have easily won his appeal.
The only reason that we and his VICTIM are having to deal with this is because Roman Polanski is a coward and a pedophile who chose to flee the country instead of having to pay for his crime. No one to blame but himself.
Laura-
I think you are a little confused about the criminal justice process. Polanski pled guilty to a lesser offense and would not have a trial, because when you pled guilty you waive your right to trial. So, Polanski was suppose to have a sentencing hearing at that point he would have been told how much time he would do in prison and be toted off to prison, but he left the country before the sentencing hearing…so he pled guilty, but never did his prison sentence. Now do you really think that is fair and just?
No, the victim didn’t receive anything. She won a Civil case against him, but he still hasn’t paid those charges. He raped her. How would you feel about being raped and other people on websites commenting that the man who raped you should go free? We, the people, need support from our law system here, or the system is seriously flawed.
I don’t care about how many injustices there were back then. What he did was wrong plain and simple and any star that backs him has committed career suicide. What a disgusting creep.
I completely agree!
He should be brought back and prosecuted. He is disgusting.
Should the passage of time absolve Nazi war criminals? NO! If this scum bag is set free, then this may set a precedent for those pederasts currently in jail and others who yet to be caught.
Polanski “drugged” and “raped” a minor and one who was impressionable because she so desperately wanted to be a famous actress. Throw the book at this little weasel. It amazes me that people are coming to his defense. WTF!
Should the passage of time absolve Nazi war criminals? NO! If he is set free, then this may set a precedent for those pederasts currently in jail and others who yet to be caught.
Polanski “drugged” and “raped” a minor and one who was impressionable because she so desperately wanted to be a famous actress. Throw the book at this little weasel. It amazes me that people are coming to his defense. WTF!
If it were a regular joe instead of a celeb they wouldnt just throw his butt in jail and not think twice about it.
He needs to be prosecuted. It’s not up to a bunch of swelled Hollyweird heads or even the victim herself. He committed a crime, plain and simple, and he should pay. He shouldn’t have run… he was going to be sentenced to time served anyway. Now they should get him for unlawful flight, too. Celebrities are not above the law!!!!!!!!!!
He raped a 13 year old girl, he is NOT above the law, no matter how talented he is or how many famous buddies support him
I agree.
“Emmanuelle is outraged.” I’m sure the girls parents were outraged when that creep raped their 13 year old daughter Personally, I think for every day he evaded the law, is a day that he should spend in jail.
I agree…A crime is a crime and one against a child should be a top priority!! They have let him live abroad for so long, that he thinks he is above the law but he should be held accountable. If a grown man, pushed pills and boos on a 13 year old and then forces himself on her, he is a creep and deserves to spend lots of time in jail.
Me too. I mean, for everyone who is doubting this, put yourselves in that girl’s place and tell me how supportive you would be of him then. Rape is a crime, full stop. And thos who commit it need to be prosecuted regardless of who they are and what fame they have.