Today on CNN Newsroom
Has Director Roman Polanski served his time?
Oscar-winning director Roman Polanksi has been arrested on a rape charge he's been ducking since the 70s. Swiss authorities arrested Polanski on his way to the Zurich film festival over the weekend. In 1977 - he pleaded guilty to having sex with a 13-year-old girl in the U.S., but he fled to Europe before he was sentenced. The victim is now 45 and a mother of three. She filed court papers saying, ”I am no longer a 13-year-old child. I have dealt with the difficulties of being a victim…every time this case is brought to the attention of the court, great focus is made of me…that attention is not pleasant…”
What do you think? Should Polanski be extradited and face a sentence? Or should the victim’s feelings be taken into account?
Share your comments below and Heidi may read them on the air in the Newsroom 9a-11a ET.
On Twitter
No, he hopped on a plane and flew the country when he should have faced the music for what he had done. I'm more concerned about America and the over 400.000 unemployed that are exhausting their benefits at the end of this month of September and the Senate has yet to take up the bill S.1699 because they are so wrapped up with healthcare reform. Congress passed their bill and the President said he would sign it BUT its collecting dust in the Senate Finance Committee, THATS whats important and should be talked about.
I think that the time has come for the entire matter to be dropped and the parties involved be allowed to move on with their lives. ALL of them.
Lets move on. How many years ago was it? And the girl wants to drop the whole thing? What is the point of chasing him then?
Of course he should be prosecuted. 1st of all i believe he was indcited. and if the victim doesn't want him prosecuted who is to say she was never compensated($$) over the years. Because of his stature or her unwillingness to prosecute should have NOTHING to do with him coming to justice.
has he commited other similar sexual ofenses after this one? i really do not know details of the case but there has been so long and the victim feels and probably wants to move on and live a peaceful life without having all this media attention on top of her.....i agree with her she deserves peace after the unpleasent situation that happened a long time ago....about him, i am sure he already paid for his actions more than 10 times over.
He needs to serve his time here in the US and also breaking the law by fleeing the country.
This issue should have been dropped ages ago. For the sake of the victim and for the family of Roman Polanski, I think the matter should be put to rest once and for all. I think the resources which have been put into place to trap Roman Polanski into an extradition process, should instead be focused on current cases, with could-be victims. Enough is enough I say.
Roman Polanski may have commited a crime in the 70s, but that is long past. Let's cal it quits. And remember what he lost to Charlie Manson. He has suffered enough.
A 13 year old, wine, and quaaludes. Nuff said. Polanski has always been a little twisted and now it's time to pay the piper.
Leniency in such a disgusting crime should not be about:
1. How long a criminal can duck the police!
2. Whether the criminal found Jesus in the meantime
3. How famous the criminal is.
OJ also found leniency because of his fame and it just is NOT right!
Listen to the victim here, her feelings are paramount in how this
get's resolved.
In some parts of the US, people have been known to get married at age 13. I think the US is sex happy. I'd like to know who these people are, who have nothng better to do than to chase the Roman Polanskis of the world.
HI,
I would like to know why the long wait to get the case to court? It would seem if the courts had a case it would had been resolved by now.
It would seem Mr. Polanski had a bond, or was realeased on his own cash bond.
To me maybe the victim is looking for compensation in money or something else. I really don't believe she is trying to find out why she was a victim.
Get over it.......another case involved with a CA court.
Anyone who says he should be punished for his crimes should actually try being informed before jumping to conclusions about what they hear is just another sex offender. The man held up his end of the plea deal decades ago, and only fled because he felt (probably correctly) that he was going to left twisting in the wind by the Judge who was out of control.
I would say that if the victim no longer wants to go through with it, then it should be dropped. However at the same time this would just be saying to other celebrities that it's okay to commit a crime and if you run away long enough you can get away with it. Even though it's a hard subject to deal with he should still be punished.
Even though many years have elapsed, the victim has forgiven him, and Polanski has had a successful career, I think it sends a dangerous message to future victims if he does not serve his time in jail. Many less famous, less wealthy rapists are serving time and what message are you sending to future rapists? A crime was committed, he was convicted, he fled, and he has finally been arrested, Forgiveness is not the issue, fairness is.The only question I have, is why has it taken so long to arrest him? Why now and not earlier?
Leave the guy alone, America is about to go broke and we are spending millions going after Roman Polanski? Even the so called victim wants the issue dropped. Come on now. Spend these funds feeding children going to school this AM hungry in all our major cities.
There is no statute of limitations on crime it is the duty of the court to prosecute to its fullest degree but the victom should be left anonamus and a plea bargain should be offerd to avoid publicity .
He needs to face the music. If he had served his time,maybe he would not be glorified as he is today. The woman has paid her entire life and does not want to suffer more, but he has lived it up and is praised? Why are people wondering why it took so long, they want to forgive him? What about all the priests who were forgiven and now brought to the spot light? Why the difference? It is a disgrace that for many years in this country child preditors have walked away on no charges while victims have suffered lack of decent sex lives forever? Perhaps it is time to have law enforcers take this serious crime more seriously. Too often judges,lawyers,cops, adults have helped these SOB's continue to abuse girls and they do not stop. Sock it to him. I cannot understand why it is okay in anyones eyes to look the other way ever. We should have tougher laws on this subject. In my opinion, anyone that has sex with children, should NEVER be free. Why should he make money and receive fame while others sit behind bars is probably a question many inmates have and statistic show, many of those inmates were sexually abused as children. Reason of that is enough. It is no wonder we have so much child porn on the net, we glorify "talent" and look the otherway?
Reading many of the comments tells me why the need to prosecute him, someone needs to protect future children. He would probablly not even get probation,
Roman Polanski is originally from Europe, and the age of consent in some EU countries is as low as 13. Although this doesn't make the act legal, it's a reminder that age of consent is more or less an arbitrary number. Moreover, the crime occurred more than 30 years ago. Everyone has moved on with their lives, so it's a waste of taxpayer money to pursue this any further.
No matter how long ago the crime was it's still a crime, not to mention he fled the country to avoid prison.
I am not one to judge without having all the facts, still there were enough mitigating circumstances to give the whole thing a rest. He probably was not in a very good place in his life after losing his wife and child, the young lady had some issues I am not familiar with. One thing seems clear, Mr. Polanski had no idea how old she was...I remember when some thought I was 20 when I was a mere 13 : same period time, make-up, attitude...And I do not believe he has ever done the same thing again.
Anyway, she wants the charges dropped, isn't that the most important thing? So, enough already. Let him go.
Who in the world does Mr. Pulanski think he is? A thirteen year old girl is raped, no question. Sure, he should be arrested regardless of how many "great films" he has made. This man drugged and raped a CHILD! A crime is a crime! Who cares what the other directors think or say. No one is above the law. I am glad to see him come to justice by the United States.
Aww poor Roman, lots of bad things happened in your past, so we should drop it and move on? No way Jose! You escaped the USA, you need to be prosecuted. I feel for what happened in your past with your mother, with your wife, however that does not excuse your actions, neither does your celebrity status. Even if the person you victimized wants the charges dropped, you did a crime and should be punished.
if the woman wants it dropped then the government should drop it. think of her and her family.
Once Polanski is prosecuted and sentenced, the victim won't have to be in the spotlight anymore. While I sympathize with her, rape is a crime against the state, not just the victim, and what kind of example does this set if there is a different standard set for a wealthy film director than a common criminal? God knows how many other victims he had that never came forward.
Roman Polanski should be left alone and not be allowed to be used by the Swiss government to gain political influence in US in order to stop the uncovering of all the illegal "save heaven" bank accounts.
I think he should be charged. Anyone else would be. he fled before they could procecute him shows right there he is probably guilty. She was only 13, drugged and raped. Pay your debt to society. He is no different than anyone else under the law.
Heidi,
Polanski's victim has already publically forgiven him and wants to move on with her life. I don't undersatnd; what is this all about?
Polanski could have been captured and arrested years ago; he was not hiding. Why now?
Roman Polanski broke the law - there is no statute of limitations for such horrific activity. There can be absolutely no excuse for behavior such as his. The fact that he ran like a coward to avoid prosecution cannot - and should not be excused. Nor should his self exile in any way be interpreted as a self imposed sentence. Those of his peers that would excuse such activity - well what does that say about them?
One thing everyone keeps forgetting is that this wasn't statutory rape – it was forceable rape. She was given quaaludes and alcohol. So the age of consent is not an issue. And for better or for worse, for those talking about her getting money from Polanski, she did already get a settlement. Good for her I say. She didn't ask for this. She's been violated by the media many times over already.
Let it die. The victim doesn't want it. Also, if you study the case, Polanski struck a plea bargain deal way back when, but a publicity seeking judge wanted to negate the deal and sentence Polanski to the maximum. He fled because the system conspired against him. Enough time has passed. I am surprised by the arrest.
As a rape victim, I feel very strongly that the victim's wishes must be ignored. To do otherwise is to give the criminal a green light to intimidate the victim. Also, the equity of the prosecution would be jeopardized if the victim's wishes are allowed to cause the law to be bent in favor of the criminal.
Just a thought about the arrest . What a waste of our taxpayers money when there are more important things going on in the world.This is just a case of the district attorney to be reconized esp when the years have past and the victim has a new life and doesn't want this to be part of the news and her family in the lime light of thier lives.
How can we even consider dismissing charges against someone who drugged and raped a 13 year old child? Does the passage of time equate justice, and banquish the criminal act which took place?
As I watch this story on CNN I am appauled to see people actually sympathize with a rapist, and child molestor!
He raped a child and then ran away. I understand the victim not desiring the attention and I support her whole heartedly, she is responsible for herself and her children. Her opinion however doesn't change what this disgusting man did. What a coward, anyone who supports him is egregiously misguided. The sad part is that he's being supported because he's an accomplished man. There isn't the same outpouring of support for Phillip Garrido, what these men did is disgusting and they should be made to pay for their crimes. People should be ashamed to support anyone committing such a crime other than to assist them in becoming rehabilitated if that's ever possible.
Heidi, the feelings of the victim were not taken into account when the offense took place and that is sad. I understand how she would want to end it now after all these years but from a legal point of view, I think the problem with this case now is not guilt or innocence but the capuring of a person that fled jurisdiction to avoid punishment for the crime he had plead guilty to. I consider this a "CATCH 22" situation.
My feelings are that this man should serve his time now for his crime and additional time also for fleeing jurisdiction to avoid punishment. Allowing him to avoid it by dropping the charges sends a clear signal to others of what they can do to avoid punishment for crimes they may commit
Roman should 100% be arrested for his rape crime that happened in the 70s. Its disgusting that the debate over this is in partial due to his success as a film director. To honor a man for his brilliance and achievements and say "we should forget about his past," is setting a horrible example for the rest of society.
His victim, as emotional as it may be and as much as she would like to put the past behind her, has an opportunity to not only bring justice to herself but to help bring justice to the millions of other victims out there who have endured a similar story.
If the crime of drugging and raping a 13 year old can be pushed aside...what in the world is next?!
Since, the victim has repeatedly asked for this case to be dropped this what really matters, and is most important. Technically, it was not right for Polanski to flee from his crime, but now 30 years later, and the victim's request to dismiss that is what we should honor. I do, however, feel that Polanski, owes the victim a sincere apology for his inexcusable actions. Polanski has wronged the victim, and she deserves to move on putting this behind her
I think the victom should sue the crap out of Polanski .
To all you women saying drop this.... Let someone drug and rape your daughter. And afterward don't even call the police. Let's let all these child molestors go. Why are we bothering with having them register when they move? No registration when they move into a neighbor. Let's let them all move next door to all you people with kids that think it's ok to rape a minor. Let them have at your children!
Roman Polanski needs to pay for his crime but he has been to Switzerland several times over the past years. Why are the Swiss authorities catching up with him now on the night he is honored for his achievements? They apparently want to please the US and bend over backwards due to their banking mess. What should be the punishment for Switzerland? They should not be allowed to watch Polanski' movies. It is great that the rape victim got passed this and does not want to press charges. If she can get passed it why not the Swiss and the US?
Michael
It's about time they arrested the him, no matter what he's accomplished he was still a child rapist and pedephile. What the victim thinks doesn't matter since she made public who she was. There should be more outrage about the French government protecting him.
I UNDERSTAND THE DIRECTOR HAS DONE TIME FOR THIS INCIDENT THAT WAS IMPOSED BY A JUDGE SOME TIME AGO. THE JUDGE THAT IMPOSED THE SENTENCE WANTED TO RETRACT HIS SENTENCE AND IMPOSE A NEW SENTENCE ...AS A FORMER ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IN NEW JERSEY ITS CALLED DOUBLE JEOPARDY AND CAN NOT BE ENFORCED UNDER THE LAW....THE DIRECTOR SHOULD BE RELEASED.
I can't even believe there's a question...he RAPED a 13 year old girl. And to those who've commented that some people get married at 13 or that the age of consent in Europe is 13–you've clearly missed the point. He RAPED her. This wasn't consensual. He needs to be a man and face the music he so purposely avoided 30 years ago. A good question to always ask is....What if it was your daughter?
If he has not been a repeat offender, after 30 years respect the victim's wishes. The woman is now an adult and her statement of leniency should be paramount and bear weight on the matter. It's a waste of time, energy and lots of money. Spend time, money and resources locking up "for good" paroled repeat sex offenders here in the US. Those are the latent criminals and danger to society.
Mr. Polanski has, in my opinion has become one of the most celebrated fugitives out there: As an artist, Mr. Polanski has created true masterpieces, Chinatown, Pianist, etc; but that doesn't mean he should get "card-blanch" when it comes to a crime against a minor. If he is set free it may lead some believe that there is a terrible duplicity in the judicial system favoring the rich and famous.
Yuri from Cranford, NJ
Although we (the US) have more than enough on our plate to deal with, I think he should be extradited and tried. There should be no statute of limitations on the CRIME OF RAPE. I sympathize with the victim, but it would be a bad precedent to let him get away with this. Rape is still not considered to be as serious a crime as it is. It can ruin a life forever.
How are we sure that the victim's submission that the case be dropped is not coerced? I am appalled by the sympathy this criminal is getting from the public.Let him serve his time. If you don't want to serve the time,don't commit the crime. People especially Americans tend to forget things after awhile. Markets were in a mess last year because partly because of deregulation we bailed them(rich people), now that things are getting good there is cry for the government to let things as they were. Whether it has been 30 years or not let him answer for it.
Polanski neeeds to go to jail. he plead guilty !
Listen to those disgusting people in support of him .
Clearly those in power and / or influence are clearly perverted . They will clamour for hefty sentences for those convicted of fraud , yet they turn a blind eye to those who rape our children.
What are they really saying? Lets look at their actions. " it's OK to rape and abuse children , but don't touch our money " Perverted ? YES !
Send his sorry behind to jail , lets those in the film industry know they are subject to the law like everyone else.
According the government of France, Polanski is a great artist and they believe that he should get away with drugging and raping a child. This is so disgusting that I'm embarrassed to have French ancestors. Would they have been fine if he drugged and raped a French child? Unfortunately, I think the answer is yes.
Good for the Swiss government for arresting this pervert.
If this person under arrest now were an "AVERAGE JOE" with no claim to fame or socio-economic status and no money. He would be in jail now awaiting extradition back to the USA and we would not be having this conversation because it would not even be in the news.
If this were a run-of-the-mill citizen who had plied a 13-year-old girl with alcohol before having sex with her, would we be debating whether flight to avoid sentencing following a conviction by plea should be a bar to extradition? Good of him to pay the victim a large sum of money so many years ago. Bully for him that he found a country that would harbor a known fugative. Would even France harbor him if he weren't famous? Can I buy off my victims, should I decide to commit a crime?
That said, there's no sense in extraditing him. California would have to foot the bill (and we're pretty much broke), he would be allowed to withdraw his plea, and the victim would make a reasonable argument that she would only be victimized again these many years later if she is forced to testify. Perhaps we can just keep the warrent active, servicable only in the United States. That way, France can keep him.
The victim's wishes should absolutely be honored. The system has failed her when she needed it the most. Now it will fail her relive the horror of the past.
Yes, he commited the crime now he must do the time. But let's see if money and fame can get rid of his crime!!
Crime does not have expiration period.
Victim was harm at that time by Polanski.
Today, victim is harm by people not being considerate, like reporters. I only learned about victim because you are always talking about her.
Leave her alone.
Be after the criminal.
This is the Day of Atonement. If Polanski has or does ask forgiveness, and the victim gives it, the whole thing should be forgotten.
if this was a normal person would we even be talking about this, as i allways say, there is a law for the rich and famous and a law for everyone else. had this been anyone else that wasnt famous, he would of been arrested and sent back.
Leave it alone! If the victim herself wants it dropped, then so be it. Polanski has suffered as well throughout the years.
No Nobody should get away with rape of a 13 year old.
He should go to jail no matter what. Just because he avoided justice for so long is not excuse. In todays time everything and anything goes. He is a disgusting old man.
No clemency for Polanski. He is a criminal who has thumbed his nose at the laws of the United States. He drugged a minor. Then he raped her. He is "trash that won't burn".
Oscar-winning director Roman Polanksi he should be returned to the united states to complet his sentence and the victim has no say because she was paid alot of money to drop the case , she was 13 at the time and today she is in her 40s just because he is famus dose not give him the right to bend the laws
Unfortunately, this case is about more than the victim. Is Polanski a threat to society? Are there more victims? A court should answer these questions regardless of how much time has passed.
It makes me sick to my stomach that people could support this monster. Regardless of his career, he drugged and raped a 13 year old girl while he was in his 40's.
Why do you think kids almost never tell someone when they are sexually abused? This is EXACTLY WHY. The media and the government of France are victimizing the victim. We are making a hero out of this pedophile and hurting this poor woman even more.
Roman Polanski deserves to rot in jail for the remainder of his existence.
I think that the victim's (Samantha Geimer) feelings and position on the Roman Polanski case should receive consideration.
The answer to yhte two questions is Yes and Yes,
Extradicte and sentence Polanski for the crimes he's acknowledged to have committed and for the sake of the victim's feelings, keep it out of the media.
people in this country don't care about kids.they are the first to whine and complain when are asked to pay for a better education and for health care.people in this country only care about themselves.so just leave him alone.
The answer to the two questions is Yes and Yes,
Extradicte and sentence Polanski for the crimes he's acknowledged to have committed and for the sake of the victim's feelings, keep it out of the media.
To Kevin Howard:
Polanski was never sentenced. He skipped prior to sentencing, even though his plea deal was for time served. That's why it makes no sense to extradite. If he isn't sentenced as previously agreed upon, he would be allowed to retract his plea. Although all agreements are void as the result of his illegal flight (a crime in and of itself), the prosecutor's case hasn't been made better after all these years.
I think the victim's feelings should be taken into account ,as to what happens to Mr. polanski.
For those that have a "free the convicted man" opinion.
Change the law, not likely!
At another level, makes one wonder about France haboring a convicted individual for so long.
Glad he took the trip to Switzerland.
Every now and then there seems to be a need to exhibit a high profile case in the media. There should be no statute of limitations for pedophiles. Either Roman got careless or felt the need to face the music.
At this time, charging Polanski is a complete waste of time. The arrest warrant dates back to the 70s, the girl is 45, there is no point in charging him with a crime, especially when the girl he had sex with wants to get on with her life. When you bring these things back to light it makes it a terrible ordeal for the victim. Not to mention this would be huge waste of money on the taxpayers part. Just let him live his life in France, he doesn't live in the US anymore.
Europeans are simply thrilled when US authorities locate Nazi guards, etc. who fled to this country decades ago to avoid punishment. Why, then, are they so shocked and angry that the US wants to apprehend a child rapist who fled to Europe – after pleading guilty – to avoid punishment? It seems a different set of values applies to celebrities.
It's been a terrible crime WHICH happened 30 years ago AND THE VICTIM wants to finally forget about this. Let's also remember that she has 3 kids now. Next thing you know the three kids will be somehow involved in all this. If the victim forgave Polanski for what he did, we should too.
According to a report on TV last evening: a plea bargain was reached and approved by the judge. Polanski admitted that he'd had sex with the girl, did go to jail, did undergo psychiatric evaluation, was determined not to be a predator and was "diagnosed" as having had a lapse in judgement. Polanski complied with every element of the plea bargain. Then the judge, for reasons known only to him, reversed his ruling and invalidated the plea bargain with which Polanski had already complied, and demanded that Polanski go to jail immediately. It is unfortunate that the spotlight is on Polanski rather than on that judge. Polanski complied and this issue should be DROPPED – except for investigation of that judge.
of course he should face justice, just because someone is able to avoid capture for so long we should forget about the crime they committed- come on! he pled guilty to drugging and raping a 13 year old girl, but some people think nothing should happen to him- gimme a break!!
Should Roman Polanski be tried for improper conduct with a minor? ABSOLUTELY not. Why? The girl was a 13 year old going in for a "Photo shoot" for a movie role (undoubtedly with parental knowledge if not permission). The girl (oh, so innocent) was most likely a typical Jodie Foster (Taxi Driver) or Brook Shields at that age wanting to be a star. Thirteen year olds in Hollywood aren't naive by any stretch of the imagination, esp. those that seek fame. Yes, Polanski should have used better judgment, but there is not a little bit of ethnic prejudice against him by the Legal Authorities. For g-d's sake...it's been 32 years and NOW the "victimized" girl, at 45 years old, is speaking about her tragedy and trauma. PLEASE. Even she said she 'forgave' him and does not want him to go to jail...this is a psychological escapist admission that SHE was just as in the wrong as him. Don't let their age fool you...esp. not young teen acters during the mid-1970s.
If the sex was consentual, LEAVE it alone. If it was rape, then prosecute. Take into concideration the needs of the victim
To Kevin Howard of New Jersey;
Your comment about "double jeopardy" does not apply. It would only apply if the criminal was sentenced and served his time in the U.S. Judicial system. Double Jeopardy does not apply in this matter. Furthermore, Polanski did not serve time anywhere else. Finally, he violated another crime by fleeing after being sentenced. He should be tried and if found guilty, sentenced for this too.
In this situation, the victim's feelings should be taken into account. The victim is at an age that she can make a decision based on her privacy and those of her family. Why should she be made to relive the past when she wants to put it behind her? I do feel that Roman Polanski should not go without some form of penalty for his criminal act. He should compensate the victim with a hefty settlement with an apology.
If Roman Polanski is allowed to get away with the rape of thirteen year old, what does it say about our justice system? Does it say that if you evade prosecution long enough you can go free?
If he was a common person who jumped bond and escaped to Canada or Mexico, bringing him back would not be a question. But should being rich and popular living in France make a difference?
He did the crime, he should do the time.
It was NOT consensual! Please people, read the article before commenting. He DRUGGED her and RAPED her.
Hopefully none of you have young girls, I'm appalled people here want to let a known rapist and child molester loose because it was "so long ago" and the victim wants it to be dropped.
HE COMMITTED A CRIME!
This is a horrible example to people, go ahead and rape/molest/drug a young girl, then flee the country! Oh yeah, and you can especially get away with this as a celebrity since people will look at your works more than your actions.
It dosnt make a differance if this crime happend two hundred years ago crime does not have a statute of limitations .
Just because he is a famous film maker why should he be special having politicians and film makers rallying around him sing his praises, the courts found him guilty of playing around with a little girl, he ran away not to face his crime or punishment, in itself how can anybody be hailed a hero after raping a little girl even if it was thirty years ago. This just goes to show how much more the rich and famous are equal to the rest.
if he did it he should go to jail, just because he is rich and famous doesnt mean he should live scot free, put his ass in jail and let the old buzzard get raped like he did the child
This guy is a sleeze and should be punished. This was not his first time....
Yes he has no debt to pay. You reported the girl has not pressed charges
And the judge was corrupt, Polanski had a problem listening to Jack Nicholson.
What a beautiful opportunity for applying restorative justice, a process to hold accountable the offender and healing for the offended.
He still needs to face a punishment regardless of the victim's feelings. He did a crime and he should do the time.
Yes, the sick pervert who drugged and raped a 13yr old girl should be brought back and put in prison, EVEN THOUGH HE FLED THE COUNTRY AND RAN FROM HIS SENTENCING!!! THATS NOT AN EXCUSE FOR RAPING A 13 YR OLD GIRL!! Maybe the treatment he receives in jail will help him to realize how wrong it is to take advantage of a weaker person.
So how does a woman who was raped at 13, but who is now a woman with children of her own deal with the unforgivaeable action if any of her children themselves were to be treated the same way?
And just because Polanski's wife was murdered by Manson and his clan, does that mean he was just acting out? Not the best way to act out. Finally, if it wasn't Polanski, this man would be behind bars already...no question!
Justice for all not just the poor
The people saying drop it must not have a daughter. He RAPED a 13 year old child; that's a big deal and he needs to be prosecuted. If he were a murder on the run for all these years there wouldn't be any question about whether or not to prosecute. If we don’t prosecute him, we are sending the message that raping children and taking their innocence is ok.
This man raped a 13 year old girl. If she was my daughter he would have been dealt with a long time ago.
He pled guilty to having sex with a child then he left the country before sentence. What's the problem? Of course he should due the time.
What he did was criminal and reprehensible but Polanski played by the rules throughout his trial – the prosecution and defense agreed on a deal with the judge who then changed his mind several times – not finding justice in the US he escaped – who would have gone back into that court when the judge was so irresponsible, flakey, etc. Watch the documentary "Polansky, wanted & desired"
Question if this would have been a normal everday common person would you all be asking this question.Probably not because they would be saying look how sick of a human being this was.That just goes to show how bias the justice system is here in the United States.It is as if people want justice but it is only for a few.The whole justice systems needs to be changed at to were it is justice for all and not just for a select few.
European countries including Austria, Bulgaria and Croatia set the age of consent at 14. It is 13 in Spain.
Since the prosecution seems to be based on laws more concerned with morality than harm or damage to society I feel the case is a waste of money and does not serve the United States public in any way
my thoughts are you do the crime you do the time enough with treating the rich like kings
Roman Polanski, a tragic case. The evil you do today will catch up with you in future no matter how long it takes. Call it karma, call it nemesis, retribution is a must. But why would a man have sex with a 13yr old? A13yr old???? that's just plain sick. what happened to all the beautiful grown up ladies?
Of course he should still be prosecuted. Just because a lot of time has passed, doesn't lessen the crime that he committed. He should be treated as if it happened today, and show the world that this type of behavior will never be tolerated or excused. To date, he hasn't paid for anything.
Does the seven years statute of limitations apply in this case?
Statutory rape isn't a capital crime...is it?
Yes. Roman Polanski has served his time. The original judge lied and backed out of the original deal. This just reinforces to the rest of the world that Americans never want justice, they want revenge.
Polaski should face the music of the crime committed. the victim could be protected by making her testify in camera but the offence is so grave to be on the side of the victim against punichment. i hope there is no settlement somewhere.
This is a tough one. The victim has moved forward with her life but she was drugged and raped and her innocence was taken from her at an early age. The perpetrator left the country and for years avoided justice and now he has been caught. He should be held accountable for his behaviour in the past so that it will not signal to other would-be perpetrators that it is okay to drug and rape someone and then, because you can, leave the country and go on with your life. However, in the final stage of all our lives, God will render the final judgment through His son Jesus.
Swiss men have just recently allowed Swiss women to vote in Swiss elections. Consistently enough, their cultural leaders consider the liberty of a Great Man more valuable than the right of a 13-year old girl not to be drugged and raped, some are saying the justice systems should let this go and find a "real crime." So this wasn't a real crime, after all, girls might as well get to know their place early, I suppose, maybe it should happen as a matter of course - oh, that's right, it often does.
By the way, the judge always has the right to review and throw out the DA's plea bargain; in this case, 42 days for this crime needed to be thrown out. Even though he pleaded guilty, Polanski still isn't owning the crime; he - and we - need some justice at last.
I am a victim of rape myself. The fact that he left the country and has gotten away with being charged is like laughing at rape victims all over the world. He needs to step up and face his fate. Enough is enough.
I think Polanski should be prosecuted as if the crime occurred yesterday. Child rape is a heinous act, no matter how talented a director he is. I can't help but wonder if the people supporting him would be as understanding and forgiving if it was THEIR 13 year old daughter he'd raped.
This is ridiculous. If he was a priest, we wouldn't be having this conversation.
If being a celebrity makes a difference than think about Vick and Buress going to prison for crimes which were less heinous.
The only thing I would change is repeatedly airing the victim's name after she expressed the pain that media attention caused her.
He has been captured, so he should pe proscecuted. Just because he is a famous person, should not have any bearing on this. He knew he did wrong, and ran away. I am sure that money and time has been spent to keep track, and capture him all these years. The victim should not wimp out now, what kind of a message is she sending by saying " that was a long time ago, so it is OK to let him go." Sure, there is going to be publicity, but I think she will gain more respect by seeing this through.
Let's donate the tax payer money that would be spent on transporting him and court expenses,etc. to a worthy cause such as Big Sisters or one that helps teens gain self esteem and healthy bodies.
Hang the sleezebag...30+ years does not change what he did to a thirteen year-old. Drugging and then having sex with a child has no time limitations in my opinion, and allowing him to run off to another country to avoid punishment is ridiculous. I'm ashamed for France and Poland.
I personaly think the man should serve his time like everyone else would have to. That just goes to show how much money talks.What makes him so special. Besides, its not like he stole some candy, he molested a 13 year old girl, who's to say he wouldnt do it again.......
Living free and in the lap of luxury is not what I'd consider 'serving his time'. He needs to pay his debt to society even if his victim wants to 'forgive and forget'. Victims should not be able to speak for all society when the law is violated. This is how the ultra rich get away with their wrongdoings.
The misconduct on his part was a mistake. The U.S. should take this opportunity to drop the charges, and let all concerned forget about it.
How long have the worls tried to get World War 2 criminals to face for their crimes? If teh law applys to all then he should have his time in court and tell his side of what happened. Sex with a minor is a crime. IF he gets off scott free this sneds the message that if your famous and have money you can get away with anything.
Roman Polanski was convicted and fled before sentencing. He needs to serve the sentence given to him by the courts. The people who want to celebrate this mans accomplishments must agree that it is ok to drug and rape a 13 year old girl and move to France where he probably continued to molest other young girls. Appalling!
This is not about anything but the American taxpayer. Who is paying to bring him back and incarcerate him? The taxpayer. At his age, the cost to imprison is over $50,000 a year if he is healthy. The victim wants this dropped. Drop it. And consider how much our lengthy sentences cost everyone. We can be smarter on crime and reduce recidevism by shorter and more effective sentences. 93% of all inmates are released. Unless we want to have life sentences for everyone, we need to save money by shorter sentences and better programing. Incarcerating Polanski is a waste of taxpayer money. He has proven over 30 years he is not a threat to public safety. That money can be better spent.
Lock him up with all the other child molesters and then lets move on
how can he have served his time if he fled the country. he also broke the law by fleeing the country. and there isn't and shouldn't be time on whether a crime is relevant. if you commit a crime you committed a crime, doesn't matter when it was. if we put a time limit on when one could be tried for committing a crime, then more people would commit them and not have to suffer the consequences.
If Polanski is allowed to go free then it would send the wrong message to crimminals. Commit a crime then go missing and end up going free.
The message should be, commit a crime and the long arm of the law will reach you anywhere in the world even when you are saying goodbye to this world.
Come on , this happeded in 70's let him go. In those 30 years he did not do anything wrong. .He made so many fine movies.He won oscar for pianist. Dont forget his wife got killed by manson gang. Why would you prosecute someone after 30 years he already paid for sins
I think if the girl (who was 13 at the time) wants to drop the charges then they should, I'm 13 now so i have a clear understanding of how the, now grown up, woman feels. She has lived with the charges her entire life, any job or dating service would have had to look up any criminal records and "OOPS!!! We can't hire her, she might have phycological problems."
Sorry for any misspelled words
The rich and famous are not exempt from justice. He has been indicted and the justice system should decide his future.
It is amazing to me the gall he had to attend an event honoring him after he fled the US because of his crime against a 13 year old girl. Did he think he was so rich he could skip town and get away with it. In my opinion, It was the best way for him to go. It is also hard to imagine a man who lost his beautiful wife Sharon Tate to the Manson murderers could actually do this to 13 year old girl so soon after her tragic death. Good films or not a child molester is still a child molester. Doesn't Woody Allen fall into this category somewhere? and wasn't he was allowed to adopt children with the girl he molested as a child then later married? It's amazing what society will accept and reject.
The victim & her children should be considered at this time. Does she want him prosecuted & have their lives thrown into upheaval?
If anything at this point in both their lives Polanski should be made
to make a VERY large settlement if he has it to her & her children which I think would be acceptable after all this time.
This is not to say you can buy your way out of prosecution.
The incident is over 30 years old & she should be able to put this behind her if she chooses to do so!
Roman Polanski pleaded guilty to rape of a 13 year old and fled to avoid punishment. Regardless of the circumstances, a 44 year old man having sex with a seventh grader is illegal and is rape. It shows complete arrogance that he thinks he should be given an exception because he ran away.
I would ask all those who show support for Polanski to consider how they would feel if a grown man raped their 13 year old daughter. He is a criminal regardless of the victim's wish to make the issue go away.
Negative, and it's time for justice to be served. I empathize with the families and the victim, and even if she was "compensated" that does not override his debt to society. What message are we sending to sex offenders and child molesters? How many other children and women have been victimized by Polanski? The victim has nothing to be ashamed about. Polanski must face justice. Hopefully, he will live long enough to be rehabilitated and be able to rejoin his family.
Blessings,
~VP
If the charges are dropped what message is that sending to the public? Even if convicted, if you are able to flee the country for a few years you can escape punishment, especially if it is ONLY for child molestation. I am sure if it was for a monetary crime like tax evasion there would be no questions asked he would be punished! Isn't it time we stop exploiting children?
So, the victim is basically saying to her kids or to the world children : " It's okay to get raped, time will heal..."
I don't think so. Wake up people. Don't let the bad ones win.
Oh and by the way, I read somewhere that she was compensated by Polanski. The details of her compensation were not released.
What's not being noted is Roman Pled Guilty in exchange for a Pre – Determined Sentence – then Deportation – He Fled AFTER the Judge was reneging on the Deal – What about the Statute of Limitation's – It was 1977 – She already accepted a Settlement – Let's use the $ to pay off our Debt
Isn't the 'statute of limitations' up regarding this??? I think if the authorities wanted to pursue this, they could have done so in a much more timely fashion!
It amazes me the number of people that think because so many years have passed he should be left alone and the crime he committed forgotten. Rape is rape regardless of the decades that have passed. Why have laws if we don't inforce them. What example does this give future rapists?
He ran with his money years ago.That was the plan, and now he may have to do the time for his crime!
Geh, I thought if you had enough money you could get away with anything today. Guess I'll have to change my thinking on that. You may actually be responsible for your past and present deeds in this world.
Maybe there is still hope for us. One would wonder thou, when teens can murder stomp a 16 year old to death in Chicago while dozens stand and watch. Okay, just so as long is its not MY family that's getting raped or stomped.
This man is a fugitive from justice, so let justice be served. Thank you.
Hello Heidi..., as I recall, the young girl that had the fling with R. Polansky, had had other flings with other older men. He was not the first! She had stated a long time ago that she wanted to drop all charges.., perhaps she does not want her life dragged through the mud!
Selectively applying the law sends a very dangerous message. The same must be said of forgiving a rapist. The indignation of the Zurich film festival attendees at Polanski's arrest is deeply disturbing, sickening, horrifying. No matter how talented Polanski may be, there is no excuse in this world for drugging and raping an innocent child. End the double standard for celebrity criminals, rather than giving them a slap on the wrist and a pat on the back!
Mr. Polanski has been living in luxury, while being an escaped felon, with his victim having to live in torment and shame until she finally grew out of it, and is now willing to forgive her molester, but that is not what our laws are all about. Mr. Polanski should be serving the rest of his life in hard confinement. If he is allowed to escape once again, and should end up in Israel, he will never be brought to justice. He needs to be extradited now and imprisoned immediately, without hearings or possible probation. He is guilty! He said so, himself and he MUST be punished.
I think this is outrageous. He was sent to San Quinten, and it was the judge who made the deal with him and let him out of jail. He did his time he should not have to pay for the lacking or corruption in the Justice system back in the 70's.
People seem to forget he went through the process and went to prison once for this. They set him free... If the people now have a problem with the way it was handled... charge the judge & prison review board that let him free from prison!
Roman Polanski did the crime, he should pay with jail time. He should be returned to the USA. If he is a hundred years old, he should still be sentence and put in prison and as far as I am concern, through the key away. The USA must stopped this double standard; if you are poor, you do the time; if you are rich, you can pay yourself out of your crime or escape to another country and every thing is okay. He should be made to pay Heidi highly for the pain and suffering she has gone through and is still going through.
This is not about justice, what ever that is, but about feathering the beds of prosecutors and other politicians. All this will do is to needlessly mess up the lives of all those involved (you media types wont help either).
I have lost a lot of respect for the Swiss, not only for this, but for changing their banking regs because of pressure from the US.
Hilarious – as a society, we have made barely legal adults lifetime sex offenders for offenses as minor as popping the bra strap of a female (see how Michigan, Georgia and other states have since begun to adjust their laws). But, oh boy, let a celebrity drug and rape a thirteen year old and, gee wiz, since he managed to be a convicted felony fugitive for a long time, we should forget the whole thing.
This also begs the question of why adult females molest minor males with barely any consequence. But, let an adult male molest a minor female and guess the years the male will spend in prison. Our justice system is beyond broken – it's schizophrenic. I truly believe the cliche "common sense isn't so common". Gary
To all of you who say that this should be dropped, you are ignorant. He raped a 13 year old child. What if this was your daughter? This person deserves to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Who gives a !@#$ if he was an excellent filmmaker, that has nothing to do with it.
What a kick in the face to all the rape victims out there. It's not like he has to stand trial, he was already convicted and awaiting sentencing when he fled. Since when has there been a double standard to our justice system? The man was convicted of rape and fled before sentencing. He should be charged with unlawful flight also but he will probably get a presidential pardon since the liberals are in office and it did happen so long ago. Oh poor mister Polanski won't be able to make any more movies and now you will see all the bleeding heart liberal actors come to his defense like the degenerates they are!
From all of the comments that have read concerning "forget the matter."
Let's not whitewash what he's done, but let the victim and her children put this behind. Respect their wishes and include
that Polanski make monetary restitution to her & her children as well.
I believe the victims feelings should be taken into consideration because as a mother it not only affects her but her family as well and who wouldn't as a victim want to move pass this horrific part of their life. Although at tha same time if we allow such a hanus crime 2 go unpunished then what does that say about the American public as a whole. At what point in our society should a man/woman be allowed to not only sleep with but drug and rape a 13 yr. old girl, plead gulity 2 tha crime and then flee the Country before he is his sentenced by a grand jury. I believe he should be extradited back to the United States and prosecuted for not only fleeing but for the crime he committied. For example if 20 to 30 yrs. from now if Osama bin Laden is caught on his way to an appraisal for his life's work would u still want to prosecute him?? There are many rape victims who don't have the opportunity to even get this far with their case and I believe if we allow this crime to go un-punished then we are telling those victims that there is no justice in our Country for them and if you are a powerfull man/woman who happens to have money the laws of the world don't apply to you.
France asking for his release what a just country is. If I can't be a film maker
Or rich etc, will justice be served.
Roman Polanski pled "Guilty", and confessed to drugging and raping a 13 year old girl. These are the facts. Everyone who harbored this animal should be ashamed. For the Victim, I can understand her hating to live with this rape for 30 years and probably the hate brought to her door step each time this comes up. How many times has she been raped by the failure of Governments to put this animal in jail over the past thirty years and to watch as he is Honored by people who knew what he did including those who financed his ability to evade jail by watching his movies. What example does this set and what does this say for the people who honor such a person. Hitler also made films but he wasn't honored for that. He was held accountable for the crimes he committed. Roman Polanski should be held accountable for his crime against a child and time should be added for every year he remained free until now. He should end his life in jail and the hell that environment creates. The punishment then would fit his crime.
Polanski should be brought back to the US to face charges. He not only raped a child, but he fled the country as a coward. He should be held accountable for his actions. The law is the law and he should not be given the message that he is above the law. Justice should be served no matter how many years it has been. The victim may have an affect on how much time he should serve, but he does need to serve time for his crime.
The fact of the matter is that Mr. Polanski was found guilty of a crime. If the victim does not wish to press charges, there is no requirement for her to bring a civil suit. However, crime is an offense to society, and our rules say that no adult may have sex with a 13-year-old girl. By our rules, no amount of talent can pay off one's crime. It is not surprising, though, that he is receiving the support he is getting. Our society has become one that believes professional athletes should get a pass on criminal activity if they can "help our team win." Stay classy, America.
Try this man or free all rapists, apologize to them, and grant them millions for their years of false imprisonment. Polanski's arrogance emphasizes the depth of his crime. His friends not only expect special treatment for him, but they mock and trivialize child rape,
It was so horrible for the victim that she prefers letting him go to the pain of remembering again. Not trivial.
But this is an "honorable" rich, greatly to be admired guy. Well, so, is it true that the rich and honorable always get off free? Victims are scared or bought off? Or do people merely let admiration replace justice?.
To many times this country has allowed people that are well to do get away with committing crimes. The moral fabric of our society is caving in. According to the report Polaski pled guilty to having sex with this girl. Just because he had money which allowed him to hide from the law, should that allow him to be free from responsibility for his action.
What message will this send to the American people about our justice system. If we are every going to restore the integrity of our one sided justice system here is a good place to start. How can we help our struggling youth with the anger issue of a system that continues not to live up to the standard they have laid down for the young to follow and obey. Please for the sake of our country don’t let this man get away with this terrible crime.
Further to my earlier post, to those who suggest that Polanski has served his time, I say that whatever he "endured" from the time he fled, HE BROUGHT UPON HIMSELF. Remember: running is the act of a guilty man. As for the judge who equivocated, there are ways to get a judge to recuse him- or herself or to get a new trial altogether. It's not that Polanski didn't think he would get justice: he actually wanted anything but!
There are several valid reasons why this matter should be dropped immediately.
1) It is the wish of the woman (now an adult) with whom he was involved that the matter be dropped, left in the past. That should be the end of it.
2) Where's he being extradicted to? California? With our resources stretched to the breaking point, this is no longer a priority case.
3) Mr. Polanski is in the middle of a film and there are a lot of people who's current income relies on this project moving along in a timely matter.
4) Mr. Polanski has likely suffered internally not just from this lingering situation, but also from the fact that the anniversary of the murder of his wife (Sharon Tate) and their unborn child just recently passed. Why drag him back here to relive all these tragic memories?
5) Not to excuse anyone's bad behavior, but Mr. Polanski is an extraordinary filmmaker. The US has a bad enough reputation in the world for bullying people This arrest is only going to negatively exacerbate relations with our friends in the international artistic community.
After finding out more about the case, I agree with John Goner, "The only thing I would change is repeatedly airing the victim’s name after she expressed the pain that media attention caused her."
I didn't realize she was a child or that he had already been indicted! Just like murder – there should be NO 'statue of limitations' on child rape!
Teaches me to be more informed before making a comment! Yes in my opinion it should be pursued no matter how long, regardless of who it is! What kind of message would it send to other criminals if dropped?
Hey Heidi,
Bring him back....as someone who remembers the initial story......I would love to see it really resolved.
Jeff
Wilma, you are absolutely right. At the same time..with an
arrogant celeb such as this, the only thing they really know
or where you can achieve satisfaction is to dig into their
pocket. REALLY deep. As in a HUGE settlement.
You won' t get much realized at his age.
Home confinement in the U.S. dictated by a Judge (leg bracelet 10 years+ if he lives that long) and the above settlement..
@ Sally Rubin all your points hold no water, what would your position be if he had murdered a 13 year old back then and fled? Would you still make this baseless argument for him? Should we let every criminal go just because the victim says they have forgiven? Even if the victim consented to the act it is still called STATUTORY RAPE!!!!!! and punishable by imprisonment.
He was tried and sent to prison!!! They let him out!!!! If anyone is brought to justice it should be the mother. She should have been charged. She was there. She solicited the sex with her 13 year old daughter.
We have 13 year old sleeping with everthing under the sun. It is not rape, it's really bad choices on both their parts. No one forced her to take drugs or drink or have sex.
The statatory rape laws in this country are unjust and abusive. mainly used to destroy young people when a youthful relationship goes bad. It is a weapon, spiteful and wrong!
There is only one kind of rape... violent assualt on a human being.
I believe double jeapardy applies in this particular case. He didn't hold a gun to the Justice system's head to let him out of prison. They made that choice!
I believe we all have to face consequences to our actions. So I think the case should be dropped, knowing also that the girl, now a women, who was raped wants to move on (and that's understandable). Saying that, I have no tolerance for people who engage in sexual activities with children. None! He can be a great film maker, and even a genius it doesn't change the fact that he raped a 13 years old! The consequences of child abuse as children are too great! I know I was one. I am French but I don't share this idea that he should be forgiven and I am sure a lot of French people think like me.
What Roman Polanski did was TERRIBLE; but something to consider: that Switzerland, which has come under fire with America and IRS for its ultra-secretive banking system, may have given up Roman Polanski in order to improve its relationship with America. The man had owned a chalet there for years, and NOW they decide to sell him out.
In addition to what I have just written, I must say this: Any of you who do not know the circumstances of the case should not be commenting, PERIOD. Those of you who think that wine and Quaalude pills is quite alright to give to a young 13 year old in order to have 'consensual sex' need to get a life! She obviously did NOT agree to have sex, otherwise the sicko Polanski would not have used the wine and Quaalude. Duh!
And to bring some of you up to date, Polanski was married to the late Sharon Tate (pregnant) that was murdered by the Charles Manson gang who just happened to be loaded on Quaalude at the time. Was Manson and Polanski friends at one time?
These same people produced the likes of "Squeaky" Fromm that was just recently released from prison for having attempted to kill President Ford. After that attempt failed, another one of the Manson group attempted to assassinate Ford. Of course, all of this was AFTER Ford had named Nelson Rockefeller (one of Polanski's fellow Jewish brethren) as his V.P. Was there a conspiracy to kill Ford so Rockefeller could become President? Was Polanski part of this wild scheme? Maybe Manson was brainwashing HIS people to do the bidding of Polanski?
If he ever gets to Israel, he will never be extradited back to this country for Israel has a law forbidding extradition of fellow Jews; just as they gave sanctuary to Samuel Sheinbein after he murdered and dismembered his Mafia associate, Alfredo Tello, in Montgomery County, Maryland.
For those of you who say he could have been brought back from France a long time ago; you're wrong. The extradition treaty between France and the U.S. does not include Polanski's crimes as being on the list of extraditable offenses, so legally France could not give him up. Polanski knew that and that is the reason he went to France in the first place. THIS MAN NEEDS TO BE PUNISHED!
Just because this guy ( Polanski ) is rich and famous, how does that give him any protection and support of getting the charges dropped? He's a sick pervert and needs to spend time behind bars for the crimes he admitted to. What's the diffference between him and that Durigard (whatever his name is) perv that kidnapped the Lake Tahoe girl? I don't hear anyone saying he should get off because so much time has elapsed.
Good morning Heidi – I think Polanski should be returned to the U. S. to face the music for his crime. Some have asked – why now. I think the return of Jaycee Lee Dugard has put pressure on law enforcement to reopen/revisit old cases. Authorities in California knew that he left the safety of France for other parts of Europe that might be open to extradition. Wtih today's technology (we've all seen the movies/tv shows where you can find out who has a plane ticket on which flight) the U. S. authorities were able to contact the Swiss and arrange for Polanski to be arrested once the plane landed.
Your legal team can address this question – if Polanski had done the time (paid his debt to society), would he be out now?
It is amazing to me that there are so many people out there who have hardened hearts and minds and so many who are ignorant of the laws.
But what I find most disturbing are these MOB OPINIONS being voiced are truly scary !
Ask yourself if you would like to have YOUR entire life dragged up and YOU made to face the errors of YOUR past life.
Seven years is plenty of time to bring a prosecution. More serious crimes like murder have no time limitations.
I thought that was the reason why a seven year statute of limitations was created…. Am I wrong?
This individual, as all pedophiles, should be executed. You have to be a past victim of pedophilia in order to understand this, so unless you have been there yourself, your opinions have no bearing on any of these issues and mean absolutely nothing. Only other victims can shed light on this issue, not you know it all sideliners.
He is not above the law. He committed RAPE and escaped. I feel very sorry for the victim, but he (Polanski) and all criminals need to pay. Glad he was finally caught.
Roman’s director friends are as culpable as Roman for being so dismissive of the fact that their close personal friend raped a child. They reprimand authorities for their bad timing, referring to Roman’s being arrested shortly before he was to be praised for his directorial accomplishments, but in my opinion, their timing could only have been improved had they acted on this 30 years ago. Polanski must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law (including evading justice by fleeing the country) or it only goes to prove that the Hollywood elite truly can get away with whatever they want. Hollywood can forgive as much as they want, but justice must be done in the real world.
Maybe his victims wishes are more important than what the world needs to know, she say's leave it alone Then we all should do just that.
RE: DON – "This individual, as all pedophiles, should be executed. You have to be a past victim of pedophilia in order to understand this, so unless you have been there yourself, your opinions have no bearing on any of these issues and mean absolutely nothing. Only other victims can shed light on this issue, not you know it all sideliners."
Past rape victims should be the LAST people to share an opinion. Their views have been warped by their experience. We need level headed objective opinions not the bised opinions of victims..
Have you ever considered that if you "executed" these people then there would be absolutly NO REASON for them not to KILL their victims.
You are an idiot !
It is commendable for his victim to be so forgiving and that should bring Roman to tears in shame, but it doesn't take away from the fact that he drugged and raped a child and then ran away to escape punishment, a gutless move. He hasn't been punished yet. Behavioral science dictates that when any living thing receives no consequences for their negative actions, they think the action may not have been such a big deal. 30 years ago or 2 years ago, rape is rape.
The fact that you even have to ask this question is unbelievable. Why not ask, should he be allowed to sell films in America? Should he have ever won any awards? If we are willing to forgive him, why not forgive Hitler? Yes it is preposterous to even think that. The man broke the law and he has to pay for the crime. If any of you have a 13 years old daughter I don't think this is even a question to consider. For those of you that don't for a moment imagine that was your mother and you are the offspring of such an act. Has he served his time? Absolutely not!
My daughter is 14 – enough said, if he served 50 years in jail it would not be enough. He has been allowed to live the last 30 years in luxury and with impunity. This discussion did not even come up with the many Catholic priest who were charged many years after the crime. He did the crime, now he needs to serve his sentence.
Dear Heidi,
With Mr. Polanski back in the country maybe we can come to a "successful resolution" of this case as you noted swiss authorities are hoping for. I think he's paid for his crime by being exiled from his country, public exposure, and making a settlement with the victim. These things go far beyond the 48 day sentence that was considered. I do feel the vicitm's feelings and view of the case should be taken into account, and it is hard to understand how or why the courts are not already coming to a satisfying resolution with both her and Mr. Polanski's lawyers calling for one. They seemed to have come to peace and an agreement on their own.
He was obviously released pending sentencing, with the understanding he would appear for sentencing and serve that sentence! Well, now he has appeared, should be sentenced, and tried for fleeing jurisdiction, then that sentence should be added concurrent to the rape sentence- they were committed at seperate instances and should be served separetely. What if someone flees a murder sentence, should he be free if he avoids aprehension for several years? Same principal.
At the time the girl's mother arranged the meeting and the girl was willing and told to not tell her age. Rick Sanchez is on the air saying Polanski raped and drugged her and it sounds as if Polanski grapped the girl right off the street and brutalized her. It was sex.
She was underage and it was wrong, he admited to that. She knows it was not traumatizing. It should be forgotton, many,many more horrible crimes against women are commited by others who do . need to be prosocuted, not this one.
Plus please stop trying to make it Europe against the U.S. Geez.
Rape has no statute of limitations. Time does not erase the crime, Polanski's "status" as celebrity does not erase the crime. Living abroad in France in a Villa for 30 years is not paying for his crime. Polanski should be returned to the U.S. to serve his sentence for the rape of a 13 year old girl.
Juliette Lewis, what are you thinking?
I was 13 years old in 1973. Yes, I did drugs even at that age (it was the '70's after all). So, he probably could have lured me in with a Quaalude Oh hell, I know he could! But if that pervert raped & sodomized me then he has to go to jail. Hands down, no doubt, to JAIL. Come on?
Should be free.
This is problem between this lady and him now.
The United States is schizo. First of all this week...they say that Mckenzie Phillips shouldn't talk about the fact that her father was a pedophile, we shouldn't even believe her. We had a few years earlier the Natalie Holloway case and we know who MURDERED her, yet we can't extradite him. Ummm, so let's see let us go all the way back to someone who's wife was the most brutally murdered in the history of the United States and who's victim forgives him of these charges. LET'S SPEND A LOT OF MONEY THERE. MORONS IN CHARGE AS USUAL. Is there any such thing as statute of limitations?
This man should ABSOLUTELY be brought to justice...what he did is horrifying!! And what are 13 year old girls being brought to Jack Nicholson's house for, UNCHAPPARONED!!!? Please tell me you did not know Jack!? That whole scenario sucks and Roman is a nasty little man...no genius. Just sick...and if he is allowed to walk, after thumbing his nose at the American Justice system, YOU had better show him he is mistaken! Perhaps he might have gotten a slap on the wrist then, who knows now. He blew that chance!! Enjoy prison Mr. Genius child raper!
Polanski is charged with, and admitted to, Statuatory Rape. Rape as defined by statute, or law. It's just that simple. It has nothing to do with whether the individual raped has forgiven him, or the fact that he has managed successfully to elude the law for 30+ years. He drugged and had sex with a child....13 years old! The pervert needs to be punished if for no other reason than to advertise to others that the law has a long reach. He should have been extradited years ago.
Heidi,
Stop saying that Polanski is accused of or is charged with. He was convicted and when you use those words, it does not give merrit to the fact that he pled guilty to these crimes. Please, say he pled guilty to these crimes. He should be returned to the US and face sentencing. At the very least, it is not a European matter, it should be left up to the American courts.
Why am I not suprised that Woody Allen (who married his step daughter) and Martin Scorsese (who cast a pre-teen in the role of a hooker in Taxi-Driver) would come to the defense of Polanski? I feel like I am in ancient Athens during the war where words changed their ordinary meanings: a pedophile has become a Christ-like figure and those demanding justice are philistines. I understand Polanski fled the country because he feared the judge would not accept his plea bargain. Judges are always free to reject the terms of a plea bargain to prevent miscarriages of justice, e.g. a rapist who happens to be famous getting a mere slap on the wrist.
It boggles the mind that some people choose to diminish the fact that this man raped and sodomized a 13yr. old girl, charges he plead guilty too then fled the country right before he was to be sentenced. What just because it happened 30 years ago we're suppose to let him off the hook? I wonder how any of these Hollywood types would feel if it had been their child that he had done this too, would they think he was such a fantastic artist then? So, are we to take away from this that if your rich and famous and you have rich and powerful friends around the world you can victimize children but oh well no one can hold you responsible!! And the Victim, basically the message to her is, no one cares what happen to you, you don't matter. It's sickening and anyone in Hollywood who speaks up for this child rapist is just as bad as he is.
Justice is the victim, and she has no feelings.
There is a serious education gap which is 50yrs wide when you compare the US and other industrialized nations. Switzerland and Japan are prime examples of how our education system should be. Their deidcation to education and the future is astounding and commendable. The US will always lose jobs to these highly qualified counterparts. They are simply more disciplined and educated then we are. Thee are still people in the US that question evolution and rational scientific theories, most can't even read the Health Bill correctly. this is all the proof we need that we are growing idiots in our nation and not prepared for the future.
I don't think it will make a difference. Those who want to be in school and take their studies seriously will always be more successful than those who don't; regardless of how many hours they spend in school.
Drag this sexual predator PEDO-sicko back to the US and get some justice!!!!! I mean common he should get added years for fleeing and being on the run for 30yrs that means he needs at least 30yrs to think about what he has done.
No, he should be brought to face trial, regardless of what the victim says. He commited a crime and should be punished, No one is above the law.
I strongly disagree with a longer school day and attending school all year. Students need to participate in other activities: seek out their personal interest in sports, arts ,volunteer and spend family time together.
President Obama should dedicate his effotrs in trying to bring down the cost of public education on the taxpayers. New Jersey wastes much money with having each district with its own superintendent other states have a county superintendent instead.
Mayra Heffernan
What do we have here. . . another example of special treatment for those that are infamous or prominent? Now that this man has been apprehended he needs to be extridicted and brought back to the U.S./California to serve the sentence he plead guilty to. He had the money and resources to appeal any rumored contradiction of a plea agreement and post a post conviction bail pending any appeal(s).
To all the posters who believe time has past and the victim has moved on, answer this, if your daughter was raped or your sister was raped at the age of 13, would you move on if the pedophile and fled the country and was caught 30 years later, or would you want justice?
He DID serve time in jail. Go see Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired.
He served time and had a plea deal arranged that everyone agreed to including the prosecutor. Then the corrupt and celebrity seeking judge then reneged against even the prosector's opinion.
He has more than paid his debt, he did serve time as the court decided. It was only a corrupt judge that kept this going.
Look into the facts and stop the witch hunt.
There should be no reward for running out on the law. It sets a bad precedent. He needs to be prosecuted.
This pathetic animal who would take this sort of advantage of a 13 year old girl should be in jail from his capture until his death. Instead he is lauded by other pedophiles in the movie industry who apparently think this behavior of victimizing children is okay. He has led the life of a elite and should now be placed in prison for life.
Why are we even debating this? I have almost always agreed with Whoopi on most controversial subjects and have found her comments be fair and intelligent. Did she drop the ball on this one? I can't believe there is seriously any question about the arrest of Polanski regardless of how long ago the crime occurred and how talented and charismatic he is. No forty-three year old has any business having any kind of sex with a thirteen year old!
The family of Polanski that perished in the gas chamber died in vain. They were raped, beaten and killed by the Nazis and their progeny committed the same atrocity that they endured to death. The victim has been compensated; she has no voice in this matter. The crime he committed is against society and the perpetrator must be punished by the Government. To often money & fame talks & criminals walk .
This is a man who forced himself on a very young girl and then fled the country when it was time for him to be punished. Yes, it has been several years since he committed this crime and the victim no longer wants him to be held accountable. I don't blame her. She and her mother were dragged through the mud after she was raped. This incident has shadowed her whole life. However, that is not a reason to allow Roman Polanski to get away with his crime. Having been the victim of a similar situation myself a very young age, I still remember the fear and humiliation that I felt. It has taken me many, many years to work through these issues. It is never okay to rape someone. Ignoring what Roman Polanski did, says otherwise. I wonder what all these people who want us to would say, if it happened to their little girl.
The plain fact is that he committed a crime.He should of known better,he was the adult .As for those people that are rallying for him I ask, would you be so understanding if he had drugged,sodomized,and sexually abused one of your children?
The number of years that have passed and/or the feellings of the victim have nothing to do with this case. There is no statute of limitations on rape, and the feelings of the victim have no meaning. This is a case between the State of California and Roman Polanski, period. If you throw this case out for any reason, then you, by logical and fair extension, must release all people in prison for rape and/or child molestation. And that would be absurd.
The case has been to court, he was to appear for sentencing, and he ran! We've caught him after years of liberals hiding him away in foreign countries. Not only show he be returned and put into prison, but those who have aided in his hiding all these years should be brought to justice! No rapist should be set free even if he agree to pay $300,000. This has even gone up due to interest due to the fact that he wouldn't even follow through on his word to pay it. Where are our morals people?
The victim in this case has every right to want to put such a horrific assault to rest in her own mind... however, Polanski has evaded arrest and fulfillment of his sentence for more than 30 years. He should be extridited with an additional federal charge of 'unlawful flight' and serve the maximum allowed by law on both the old charge for which he plea bargained and a new federal charge. Otherwise he is just a 'poster boy' for those who feel they are above the law.