Roman Polański has been summoned by a civil court in California concerning a new accusation: he has been accused of the rape of a minor in 1973. Polański denies the accusation "in the strongest possible terms", according to the statement made by his lawyer, Delphine Meillet.
The case is set to begin in August 2025.
This is the sixth woman to have accused Polański of a sex crime, however, only one accusation has thus far led to a conviction - that of Samantha Geimer. Polański admitted to the drugging and statutory rape of Geimer who was 13 at the time, in 1977. He fled the USA, however, believing that the judge would not respect the terms of the plea bargain reached.
"Statutory rape" in American law refers to the fact that a minor cannot give the consent required for lawful sexual relations, regardless of the degree of physical or other force used.
Geimer reiterated last week that she has forgiven Polański and wishes proceedings related to her to come to an end: "I would implore you to finally bring this to a close as an act of mercy to myself and my family.”
Court convictions are one thing and the opinions of victims another. Yet another is the court of public opinion. French public opinion is more liberal than American. In France, where Polański resides, Woody Allen is still revered. He has never been convicted and has "only" been accused once - by his daughter and ex-wife. French public opinion, by contrast, has been turning against Polański with each new accusation.
Sources: PAP, The Guardian, Variety
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