‘Child rapist’ Polanski sees threat of jail lifted after 40-year legal tussle

Film director Roman Polanski has had the threat of jail finally lifted after Polish prosecutors agreed not to extradite him to face sentencing for rape. The 82-year-old, who fled the U.S. in the 1970s after admitting statutory rape of a child, has been told he can now go to Poland to shoot his next film. The decision “ends the legal proceedings” against the Oscar-winning director of The Pianist, Chinatown and Rosemary’s Baby, leaving him free to work and live in Poland, his lawyer Jerzy Stachowicz, said.

Speaking for Polanski, I can say that we feel a great relief that this case has ended. And this means that it will be possible for Polanski to start making a planned film in Poland.

Roman Polanski’s lawyer Jan Olszewski

Polanski, who holds French and Polish citizenship, pleaded guilty in 1977 to having sex with a 13-year-old girl during a photo shoot in Los Angeles. He served 42 days in jail but then fled to France, which does not extradite its citizens, when he feared he would get a hefty sentence. For years, the U.S. has sought to bring him back for sentencing. In October, a court in Krakow ruled the case against him was flawed and turned down an extradition request. Now, they have agreed not to appeal the judgment. For the court decision to take effect, Poland’s justice minister must now communicate it to US authorities.

I’m sure he’s a nice man and I know he has a family and I think he deserves closure and to be allowed to put this behind him. He said he did it, he pled guilty, he went to jail. I don’t know what people want from him.

Polanski’s victim Samantha Geimer, speaking last month

Celebrity roman polanski