The French court acquitted filmmaker Roman Polanski of defamation against British actor Charlotte Lewis on Tuesday. The case originated from a 2019 interview with Paris Match magazine where Polanski called Lewis a liar after she accused him of sexual assault. The court’s ruling focused solely on Polanski’s comments in the interview and did not address the truth of the rape allegation. Polanski denied the charges, and his lawyer announced the verdict on the opening day of the Cannes Film Festival, calling it a victory for the rights of the defense.
In the interview, Polanski refuted Lewis’s allegations of sexual assault, calling them a “heinous lie.” Lewis, who first made her accusations public in 2010, claimed that Polanski sexually abused her when she was just 16 years old during a casting session for his film “Pirates” in 1983. Polanski, known for classic films like “Rosemary’s Baby” and “Chinatown,” has faced multiple accusations of sexual assault over several decades, including a notable case from 1977 where he was charged with raping a 13-year-old in the United States. He pleaded guilty but fled to Europe before sentencing could occur.
Despite the court’s ruling, Lewis expressed disappointment with the verdict and stated that she would appeal. She described feeling sad and expressed that the case was not over for her. Polanski, who was not present in court, was informed of the news by his lawyer. The lawyer emphasized that the court recognized Polanski’s right to challenge those who make accusations against him, highlighting the victory for the rights of the defense in this case. The ruling came amidst controversy surrounding Polanski’s history of sexual assault allegations.
The case brought attention to the ongoing discussion around accountability in the film industry, particularly in cases of sexual assault and misconduct. Polanski’s acquittal raised questions about the legal complexities of defamation cases involving high-profile individuals accused of misconduct. The verdict also sparked debate about the balance between the rights of the accused and the rights of survivors of sexual assault to seek justice and have their voices heard. The outcome of the trial may influence future legal proceedings involving allegations of defamation in connection with allegations of sexual assault.
As the news of the acquittal spread, reactions from the public and the film industry varied, with some expressing support for Polanski and his legal victory, while others criticized the decision and voiced solidarity with survivors of sexual assault. The case highlighted the challenges and complexities of addressing allegations of sexual assault in the legal system and the broader societal context. The aftermath of the trial is likely to continue fueling conversations about accountability, justice, and the rights of individuals involved in cases of sexual misconduct.
