Roman Polanski's supporters sending wrong message about rape, minimizing director's crimes, critics say

Defenders of Roman Polanski have not minced words in their criticism of L.A. prosecutors for arresting the director three decades after he fled the U.S. before being sentenced for sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl.

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner called Polanski's arrest a "bit sinister."

His agent, Jeff Berg, has said that justice has already been served in the Polanski case.

Directors Martin Scorsese, David Lynch and Woody Allen are among dozens in the film industry to sign a petition calling for the immediate release of Polanski. Academy-Award winning film producer Harvey Weinstein, also a signatory to the petition, wrote in the UK Indpendent calling the original plea deal in Polanski's case a "miscarriage of justice."

"Whatever you think about the so-called crime, Polanski has served his time," Weinstein wrote.

But such comments don't sit well with advocates of sexual abuse victims, who think Polanski's supporters in their zeal to free Polanski are sending the wrong message and downplaying the seriousness of the crime.

"Most troubling to me is that people just don’t understand the impact a crime like this has on a 13-year-old girl, and the fact that he has made some fabulous films is utterly irrelevant," said Katie Buckland, executive director of the California Women's Law Center. "It sends a message that the rich and powerful can get away with crimes that no one else can get away with."

The Polanski case has generated much debate about why prosecutors acted now. It's complicated somewhat by the fact that his victim, now in her 40s, has publicly said she believe he should not face prison time and that the matter should be dropped.

But Buckland said it is irrelevant that the victim did not want to press the case -- and that prosecutors should be praised for sticking with the case.

David Clohessy, national director of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, said he hears echos of "Polanski's apologists" in the scandal over child abuse in the Roman Catholic priests.

"In both cases we have the public and secular authorities giving every benefit of the doubt to clear wrongdoers just by virtue of their exalted positions. You could easily say if Polanski was a priest, he would be easily jailed," Clohessy said. "Somehow if you can make movies, dance well, shoot a basketball, essentially accumulate wealth or power and then you are somehow exempt from the basic societal laws and expectations. By not pursuing Polanski, we send a very disturbing message to criminals. Make yourself popular, get good lawyers, flee the country and you are home free."

UCLA law professor Peter Arenella said the intensity of the debate surrounding Polanski is less about legal issues than it is about changed social norms, although it does not in any way excuse what happened but it may explain it.

“I’m not saying at the time of Mr. Polanski’s case that his behavior was justifiable under the prevailing social norms. It was still unjustifiable behavior on his part," Arenella said.

But he said there was "the same sensivity to the abuse of power issues."

-- Andrew Blankstein

Photo: Director Roman Polanski arrives for a screening at the 60th Cannes Film Festival in May 2007. Credit: Anne-Christine Poujoulat / AFP/Getty Images

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Comments

[Upland Bob]

The liberal progressives really need to look at themselves over this one! I mean, Obama adoration is one thing, but to side on the side of a child rapist who preyed upon an innocent is unexcusable. Remember, it is "The State of California vs. Polanski," not the victim vs. Polanski.

Progressives, why do you approve of this type of rape?

[Laer Carroll]

How is Polanski case different from that of any other rapist of a 13-year-old?

[Eliza]

Roman Polanski raped a 13 year old child. Not statutory rape, where consent is fuzzy and age barriers come into play -- he forced a protesting 13 year old girl to have sex with him when he was 43. He negotiated the original charges down, plead guilty, then skipped town while on bail. He is a fugitive, admitted child rapist.

The rest just plain doesn't matter. I don't care how special you are, or how pretty your films can be, or how many people say you're a really good guy. I'm amazed at the sheer number of so-called artists who have apparently decided that if you're famous or talented enough, a little child rape and bail jumping in your past is okay.

This isn't about the victim, it's about our society and rule of law. As a society, we punish people who rape others. We also punish people who have sex with children. And we also punish people who violate trust and jump bail. These are necessary, BLIND boundaries we apply to all citizens.

Tell me again why Polanski should be allowed to erase a child rape he's already pleaded guilty to?

[Leslie Razo]

This man should just be left alone.People need to understand that before having his run in with the law by abusing a 13 year old girl,this man had tragically lost his wife who was brutally murdered by the Manson Family.That happened many years ago and he should just be left alone.

[mark]

Maybe his supporters can let us know in the future when it's time to move on. Is it 1 yr, 5 yrs, 10? Does being an acclaimed director help, how about an electrician or carpenter--are they treated differently? It's so hard to figure this all out without the help of his supporters.? Since they are discarding the law, what exactly are the rules? And can they let us know in advance? Also, Harvey Weinstien can help us with the penal code too since he called this a "so-called" crime. I really can't believe these people talk out loud. And where is the outspoken Spike Lee on this one?

[nicky shaw]

This is in essence not about Polanksi. It is about the victim who has repeatedly publically declared she just wants to move on with her life and the last thing she requires is another court case. Would justice force her to go trhough the whole ordeal again - as publically as possible - after this request? that is not justice, that is arrogance and righteousness. They have settled out of court and come to peace with it years ago. Sure it should never have happened, but it did, and it is done. Why drag her through another ordeal? Let Polanksi off - not for the sake of his artistic or social status, but for the sake of allowing this woman to find peace AT LONG LAST!!

[S Flower]

In regards to Roman Polanski alleging Judicial Misconduct and/or prosecutorial misconduct at Santa Monica Courthouse vis a vis the plea bargain arrangement - it is true that Judicial Misconduct has occured at Santa Monica County of Los Angeles Courthouse often throughout the decades in various ways that leave a lasting impact on the victims.

For instance Francis Farmer the actress in the 1940's after being in Santa Monica Courthouse for a traffic offense - was later institutionalized and treated to electroconvulsive therapy. Like "One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest." starring Roman Polanski's friend Jack Nicholson.

If the World is not aware of some of sordid history at Santa Monica County of Los Angeles Courthouse then history is doomed to repeat itself.

Arresting Roman Polanski now and after 31 years is not so much about the crime of sexual assault the County of Los Angeles obviously doesn't care about the victim - this is more about Los Angeles County's need for power and control.

When it suits their needs in other cases - the County of Los Angeles use Santa Monica Courthouse Judges, African American police and African American sheriff deputies to cover up sexual assault on white women perpetrated by white Santa Monica professors - Then undocumented White Sheriff Deputies are used to assault and batter white women in the courtroom because they reported the crime of sexual molestation at Santa Monica Educational Institution and their police cover up of it

The County of Los Angeles action in regards to Roman Polanski is hypocritical since the County of Los Angeles and their employees - does not care about white women who have been sexually assaulted and in other cases act in concert to oppress them by assaulting and battering them in a Santa Monica Courtroom.

The extradition of Roman Polanski which comes late - after 31 years is about Los Angeles County's need for power and control - more than anything else. Everyone needs to be treated fairly in Santa Monica County of Los Angeles Courthouse which is not happening currently.

[soulfliesfree]

At 13 you aren't old enough to post a comment but apparently they think its old enough to have sex. He should stay in jail period; the pedophile that he is. And to register as a sex offendor. He cannot live near or around children. PERIOD. Why is he any different than any other pedophile? HE PLEAD GUILTY!!

[Dirk]

Polanski's been a coward his whole life. I'm disappointed to see Scorsese blindly sticking up for him. It's a disgrace.

[X]

Can a victim of sexual violence herself please get a word in, when people are done beating their chests? Because of what happened to me, I had to leave town, drop a major and transfer to another university, delaying my Bachelor's Degree, okay? Then this guy and his brother stalked me for 3 years while I could not get a restraining order. Does that give me enough street cred with you?

Are you calm, now? Are you going to listen to reason?

Judicial misconduct serves no one, not the victim and not the accused.

The victim herself objects that the judge reneged on the original plea deal, because he wanted more publicity and a televised sentencing, along with more jail time. It goes without saying that Polanski didn't want a televised sentencing. Do you think the victim did?

The victim herself says that the courts have abused her more than Polanski did.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2009/09/reaction_to_roman_polanski.html
She wants it done with, and after trying to go through the court system, I don't blame her!

It is a disgrace that, after all the supposed reforms instituted in rape prosecution, the experience is still violating enough for women to prefer a plea deal or a settlement. Do you have the courage, once you are finishing speaking for me and for her, to confront that fact?

No one cares about the victim, because they're ignoring her requests. And I doubt very much that you care about me. (I've already been accused of "excusing rape" and "having a chip on my shoulder." Well, yeah, considering HE is now a born-again Christian raising a big family and spouting off against atheists like me, with a little help from the "I'm an atheist but..." crowd.) You're too busy being righteous, wringing your hands, and reducing our experiences to black-and-white dogma that doesn't help us. The road to hell...

Dare I say that I learned a lesson about putting myself in a dangerous situation that I didn't repeat? That does not mean that I think I "asked for it." That does mean that I think I've learned something about power and how it operates. What a pity that our court system and self-styled "victims' representatives" guard their own power so jealously, infantilizing women. "Abuse of power issues!" I want to cry.

"Rape is rape!" Except when it is done by the system (and by the same prosecutor, in fact, whose ethics violations screwed up the Stevens trial). Except when it is done by the press, who exploits the victim of a celebrity - the same press, I might add, who not ten years before was blaming Roman Polanski's wife Sharon Tate for her own murder ("Satanist! Drug addict! Orgies! Cannibal!"), and for which it never apologized before sniffing after interviews with that pipsqueak Charles Manson.

I'm more traumatized by Squeaky Fromme being released than by Polanski completing his latest film.

How this spectacle sickens my heart.

[Sister Maureen Paul Turlish]

But Roman Polanski never pretended to a rabbi, minister or priest, did he? He never took vows committing his life to the service of others or was ordained was he? He never presumed to be an ordained representative of Jesus Christ did he?

No, Polanski was what he was, just your garden variety sexual predator who was caught and convicted, but who because he had the ability to flee, fled. But thankfully his conviction for the sexual abuse of a minor does not expire because of the passage of years and he will be held accountable.

The fact is that there are any number of priests known to have "fled the country" to avoid being held accountable for the sexual abuse of girls and boys.

There are more who were shipped to the foreign missions, sent to Rome to study or otherwise transferred out of the country by their bishops or religious superiors because of the rape of adult women in addition to the sexual abuse of children.

The important difference that Reese does not mention is that very few sexually abusive priests of girls, boys, young women, men, vulnerable adults, and that includes sisters and nuns, have ever been tried in a criminal court and found guilty, very few.

Moreover, the sorry fact is that there are a lot more that those we know about and that's closer to or more than 10%.

Visit the web site of former Benedictine monk, Catholic priest and psychotherapist at www.richardsipe.com or www.bishopaccountability.org or www.napsac.us

Unfortunately, very few sexual predators among the Roman Catholic clergy ever find their way even into a civil courtroom because the statutes of limitation have expired.

They didn't even need a get out of jail card because they received a completely free pass as did their bishops or religious superiors, if they were order priests or brothers.

And why is that?

Because bishops and religious superiors chose not to report the sexual molestation and rape of minors to the police, they chose not to remove them from ministry, they chose not to reach out pastorally, to warn parishioners but instead transferred them to another parish in the diocese where their predatory and criminal behavior continuned unchecked.

Keep in mind that the reason the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church even BEGAN to do much of anything in regard to the sexual abuse of untold numbers of children was because of the revelations of the Boston Globe newspaper in Massachusetts.

Unfortunately, their actions in 2002 were no harbinger of Accountability & Transparency.

Far from it.

Bishops in New York, Colorado, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania and others have viciously opposed any states' movement to bring the sexual abuse statutes regarding the sexual abuse of children into the 21st century and spent millions of dollars, hiring law firms, lobbyists, public relations firms, and spin doctors to do it along with instructing their state Catholic Conferences to bankroll the same kinds of actions.

Would that it were possible to get all the living pedophile priests and the enablers into a civil court.

Most of them along with their enabling bishops or superiors will never be held accountable for their crimes and mortal sins in this life.

Sister Maureen Paul Turlish
Victims' Advocate
New Castle, Delaware
maureenpaulturlish@yahoo.com

[CAS]

Last night on Nightline, I saw a crotchety old man from the DA's office acknowledge that Polanski's claim that the prior judge acted unethically had validity. He went on to say, however, that Polanski wanted to resolve things on his terms and the DA's office was going to show him that they were going to resolve things on their terms. That shows that the prosecutors are just a bunch of bitter egomaniacs who couldn't stand the idea that they weren't in control. This has nothing to do with providing justice for the victim or protecting society. This is just revenge by lawyers with a grudge. I think we have better ways to spend our money in this diffihttp://www.pe.com/cult economic time.

[Carlos]

I'm sick of people sticking up for Polanski. Yes, his wife was killed by Manson's followers. Yes, he's made good movies. But, he raped a 13 yr. and fled justice. Even if the judge screwed up, he needs to come back here and be jailed. He may still appeal, but he's got to follow the rules.

If you do the crime, you gotta serve the time!

[Hannah]

Oh, of course, Woody Allen is one of his defenders. That great white knight of appropriate relationships with children, if Woody thinks he should be released, then by all means, get out the key!!

[Discussted]

I am discussted by all who think LEAVE HIM ALONE. If it was your mother, sister, wife, daughter, would it be ok with you? Come on people he is a discussting PIG! I don't care what happened to his wife (Manson). So then he turns around and kills a 13 year old girl. I say kill because he killed her innocense. You are all advocates of raping minors. Discussting!

[Jay]

I'm not sure I would want Woody Allen's support on a child sex case.

[Kelley]

This is more about the A&E industry closing rank around their own, than Liberal vs. Conservative.

Reading the Grand Jury papers...and seeing the victim's current photos promoting the RP documentary...and reading her statements as an adult (about the incident)...Sounds like she needs to forgive herself, not the rapist (RP)

[thelawisthelaw]

Regarding the victim not wanting to see him prosecuted: Polanski paid an undisclosed sum to the victim and her mother. And btw: the mother ought to be prosecuted just as harshly if not more harshly, for pimping out her daughter. Mom knew exactly what she was doing by leaving her 13 year old daughter there for a hot tub party with old leches like polanski and nicholson. Unbelievable that some of you seemingly intelligent people would say it's okay to let it go seeing "as it was 31 years ago". This would be less of an issue (or international incident it seems) if polanski had done what he had negotiated to do from the beginning when he pleaded guilty. It would all have been long over.

[Kent]

I thought liberals are supposed to be in sympathy with the small, the weak and the poor. Those of us who are old guard JFK Liberals wonder what has happened to the Democrats. What if it was not Polanski t but William Bennett or Mark Levin who had raped a 13 year old, admitted it and them fled the country to live the exciting life the artist in Europe? Does anyone think these "defenders" would hold their same perspective on forgiveness and on America being a backward "Puritan" nation? Issues like this expose the ugly truth about so many of the people today who fancy themselves as liberal or progressive. What has happened?

[Astonished]

I don't care if he had a tragic life or not. He committed rape on a 13 year old. Since when is it okay to do that under any circumstances! Then, instead of facing up to the consequences, he runs to France where he has had a very lucritive existence. I don't care how many "brilliant motives and fans he has, he should be extradited and made to serve his sentence! Anyone else guilty of this crime would!!!

[Karen H.]

Witch hunt. Plain and Simple.

[carole]

Look who sticks up for him, his friends, the celebrities.
Like they have a grip on real life, they have been catered to so much. That's why they don't think it's a big deal, they have no morals anymore. Who knows how many of them helped him flee in the first place, they are probable sad that they didn't get invite to the party.
And if it's not a big deal to have sex with a 13 year old, why didn't any if his celebrity friends offer him their own daughter? You are such a great director, here have my kid!

[Jon]

I have one question regarding the Roman Polanski arrest: what would the liberal media and Hollywood be saying right now if 30 years ago Rush Limbaugh had raped the girl and fled the country?

[Julietta Arbaut]

I believe that Justice, should be the same for everyone. Roman Polanski escape Justice going to France. { my birth Place }
If it was Mr nobody he will be brought to Justice so I do not see why Mr Polanski should not be treated the same way Because of who he is ?
A crime is a crime let Justice prevail.
That is my opinion as an abused child,
Julietta Arbaut

[PeteR]

The story is that since Polanski spent time in the Warsaw ghetto when he was a child he had a mistrust of authority - so he skipped bail. If that's true, why would he risk getting being thrown in jail by *planning and then carrying* out a felony - and then to make the situation worse by fleeing to Europe, where his alleged mistrust of authority started? Idiot.

[Anonynous]

Does this mean these same people are willing to fight for the freedom of priests that were convicted of sexual abuse? If so, speak up Hollywood. HYPOCRITES

[David Keller]

If Roman Polanski is to be prosecuted for his sex crime dating back to 1978, I would like to add, what about the girl's parents or guardians (if they are still alive)? Why are they being let off the hook, allowing their 13 year old daughter to hang out at a swinging adult party at Jack Nicholson's house, a notorious playboy in the day? If you're going to prosecute Polanski, how about prosecuting the girl's parents or guardians for parental neglect and possible childhood endangerment?
Yours truly,
David Keller
New York, NY

[Amber]

If he hadn't skipped town and had served his time, this story would have been long gone, so don't blame the prosecutors for rehashing the story and upsetting the victim-Polanski's the one responsible for that. She is understandably upset because the details are being rehashed in the media and I'm sure she doesn't want to relive them or have her loved ones hear about it. Polanski already make a deal, there's no trial for her to testify at. Anyone else in this situation wouldn't have been given 90 days to finish a film, first of all, and allowed to leave the country, second. He abused the leniency of the court. He should have done his time in the first place and this would all be over. I am disgusted by these celebs defending him, especially Whoopi Goldberg saying on The View that SHE doesn't believe it was "rape-rape"? Who's traumatizing the victim? He played cat and mouse for years and lost, deal with it. He is not above the law and anyone who would excuse his behavior is disgusting.

[Joe Dugan]

The proposed petitions(s) in support of the convicted felon and pedophile, Polanski, by the chattering classes in Hollywood is fine. It is their right. But, I do ask that these petitions be made public and posted on the internet and/or newspapers; so that we who oppose his type of behavior can put in place our own petition to boycott the films, actors, TV programs and networks, etc. of the people signing a petition in support of Polanski. After all that is our right.

[uncle_vito]

If they let Polanski off, then it will become acceptable to have sex with underage girls.

Talk about perversion!

Just a little more worse than having gay sex.

Vito

[anon]

Yet another article that does not mention the grand jury proceedings:

The victim testified that she did NOT GIVE CONSENT.

No consent = "rape-rape".

Polansky drugged and rape raped a 13 year old girl. I hope he rots and dies in prison like the child rapist he is.

[JOHN SIMDORN]

The transcript of the Grand Jury proceedings is unambiguous about the fact that the girl (who was 13) was unwilling and that Polanski (who was 44) drugged her and had sex with her in every available orifice. The number of men who have spent many years in prison for offenses much milder than Polanski's, number in the tens of thousands. For the rest of THEIR lives they will be on a list that will rather severely restrict where they can live and where they can be.

Let's get the guy on trial and see what he truly deserves.

[Sickening]

You apologists for Polanski should ask yourselves, if what he did to that CHILD happened to you, would you be so cavalier about it? If a rapist manages to hit a certain milestone of 20 or 30 years on the lam from justice, does that somehow erase the crime? Were you reviled when you found out about Phillip Garrido case? If so, why? Because he only got away with the same disgusting behavior for a mere 18 years and not longer? Because he doesn't make crappy movies?

If a person pleads guilty to an unspeakable crime, and then takes off if it looks like he'll actually serve some time for it, is it okay? Don't our laws say if you flee from justice we have the right to drag your behind back to jail if we can catch you? I mean, what is wrong with all you people?

And Woody Allen jumping on board to support this jaw-dropping disregard for the rule of law is the only thing here that made me crack up. I mean, it's just TOO easy...

[Mildred Goldstein]

Roman Polanski used poor judgment that's for sure. Maybe it was his state of mind at the time. His wife, whom he loved dearly,(Sharon Tate - beautiful actress)was murdered by the Manson gang for no good reason. She was almost nine month pregnant at the time with their son. He was a wonderful husband and would have been a terrific father.

I believe Roman was a child when he survived the Holocaust. The road of life has not been an easy one for him with all his money and fame. Whatever monetary possession he has is because of his superb talent.

The woman, who was violated by him at the time, wants to forgive his actions. Why can't we? He has paid over and over again for the mistake he made so many years ago. He is not an ordinary person or the typical rapist. This should all be taken into consideration. I'm sure that he would do more for the world if he were forgiven.

[Just A Guy]

So,

If I had been this 13 yr old girl's father and killed Polanski for raping my child, took the "Polanski deal", but then fled the country and ended up being caught in Switzerland after 30 years, it would be OK? I should just be let go?

Either we are a Nation of Laws or we aren't. He admitted the crime. He fled the punishment. He still needs to face the music, whether or not he likes the tune.

[Just A Guy]

And for some irony, from the terms of this discussion list:

"If you are under 13 years of age you may read this message board, but you may not participate.
Here are the full legal terms you agree to by using this comment form."

[Brian Robinson]

There are men in this country in their 30's and 40's who are coming forward to disclose being raped by priests in thier childhood. These priests are defrocked and sent to prison. Why should it be any different for Roman Polanski. Its amazing to me how the Hollywood left protects thier own. What he did to that young girl, no matter how long ago, should not be defended under any circumstances. You can put any spin on it you want. The bottom line is that he plied a child with drugs and booze and raped her. If it were your 13 year old daughter what would your reaction be. Brian Robinson Sept 29th at 7:55 pm

[Karolein]

The justice system bashing is unacceptable. He has avoided dealing with this issue for 30 years. If he had appealed, I think he would have been treated fairly at some level regardless of any improprieties at lower levels. His talent or accomplishments should be irrelevant to whether he is extradited. If this was Joe Smith, he would have been hauled back to the US 30 years ago.

[Timray]

Woody Allen?!?! proves what scum are the Hollywood crowd is, but we all have known that....remember the rapes at MGM? you bet i do....scum....real scum

[SG]

'"Whatever you think about the so-called crime, Polanski has served his time," Weinstein wrote.'

Right, drugging and raping a 13 year old . . . this so called "crime." Looks like Polanski's at the auto show.

What a joke. Makes sense that the depraved degenerates of the Hollywood elite would be supporting this pervert.

[Paul]

@ Leslie Razo - an escaped felon is never forgotten, never forgiven. If a child murderer or a rapist escapes from a prison near you, will you say that he should be forgiven, and forgotten? Polanski is a rapist. Read the transcripts at thesmokinggun.com He got a child drunk, drugged her, then raped and sodomized her despite all her protests. Rapist, felon, fugitive. If you argue for Polanski to go free, you must also argue that the cops don't chase any felons who escape from custody in YOUR home town, county, or state. Make up your mind.....

[Mark]

Amazing that so many duped people are willing to place the perversion labeled "american justice" on a pedestal and treat it like a God. The majority of corrupt judges and highly paid prosecutors who administer the american "justice" farce have proven themselves to be the worst criminals in the world, far worse than the small percentage of people they put behind bars who are not innocent. These psychotics hiding behind a uniform or a law bench intentionally go after major artists and contributors to society, especially the ones who contradict their plans of mass imprisonment and slavery for the average citizen. It's no accident that the US has draconian sentences for the most minor offenses and boasts the highest prison population in the world. The goal of the thugs in uniform with their guns, tazers, beatings and chokeholds and their bosses the corrupt judges, prosecutors and "law and order" politicans is to establish a slave state, manufacture criminals out of ordinary citizens and keep millions of innocents cycling through their multi-billion dollar slave gulags for life. The American modern day slave system is more draconian than Russia or China ever hoped to be and puts the Soviet gulags to shame. Juveniles and the indigents in america are especially targeted. "Juvy" is an american hellhole where kids are abused, threatened, forced onto brain drugs and taught to be career criminals for the "crime" of disobeying their teachers or shoplifting a pack of gum. There is no statute of limitations, records are permanent to ensure they don't get jobs, and they are subjected to lifelong humiliation and degradation. In the US there is intentionally no such thing as "rehabilitation". Getting caught in the American "justice" system, innocent or guilty, is to be condemned to a lifetime of degradation, suffering and misery. The small percentage of real career criminals, murderers and drug dealers are allowed to go free and rewarded by the cops and judges since they are the fuel and money makers for an american slave system where everyone is guilty until proven innocent. American capitalist "democracy" and of its clones in other countries is a giant sham and much more malevolent than communism. All traces of real justice or democracy quickly become non-existent in countries that try to copy America's tyrannical and oppressive system.

[John]

Hey, Martin, David, Woody and Harvey: There’s this guy in Pittsburg, California, name of Phillip Garrido, who also needs your support. He only raped, I mean, had relations with a 13-year-old girl, same thing as your pal Roman. No, he didn’t make any movies, but he did do some music. You think Roman got a bad deal? This guy may be put away for life! How about a combined campaign: “Justice now for Roman and Phillip!”

[schmukblodgers]

Yes, (you need to read this with a twist of redneck slang in jest)
"Wul, I thank amerika need to nuke all them leftys, the french, poland, hollywerd, polanskee- anyone who don't wanna go with what riight, riight? Just send ar CIA and a pile of them thar drons - lets make the world a betar place for livin riight an beein fraeee cuz we're the richiist shmartest, pawer in this werld, by God!"

[D. Guzman]

Wow for you people who think he should be let off just cause he lost his wife and because this case if so old. Shame on you. That girl suffered from that and will always remember that moment in life forever. She may say she doesent want anything to do with it. But that is because its going to be a media circus. This guy should be locked up and have to register as a sex offender. Its situations like this where if he is let off the hook, other people wonder why othere child abusers are let off so easy. It is a damm shame that this type of people have other people feeling sorry for him. He wasent sorry when he forced her to have sex. He didint think about her innocence being taking away forever. Where are all the people now who are protesting this. Everybody wants to protest Micheal Vicks Case about dogs. But when another child is raped we turn away and ignore it. This man is sick and was probably still doing the same thing in the other countries he has been to. When we throw people in jail for 10yrs or more for selling marijuana and then give child abusers a couple months or let them out on house arrest or just let them out period. What sense does that make? Child abusers should serve life sentences becasue they are not fit for society.

[Ethan Edwards]

From reading the girls deposition it is clear that there are extenuating circumstances.

A few days before the "rape" he photographed her with her top off and flirted with her giving her some indication of where his mind was at already.

She admits that she had sex twice before so she was not a virgin. Also she had gotten drunk and taken qualudes before.

Polanski could have just given her one or more pills but instead asked her first if she knew what she was taking and then gave her only 1/3 of the pill.

There is alot of talk about how he had anal sex with her as if this makes his crime so much worse. Interestingly however he appears to have only taken this direction after asking her if she had taken the pill or had her period. So it seems this was simply to prevent pregnency.

At no time did she cry out or physically resist him. She claims to have said no a couple of times however but if somebody is being raped you would expect them to fight or call for help. And help was nearby in that there was a woman in the adjacent room. That woman even said hello to the girl on her way out but the girl said nothing.

Also, it seems Polanski was unaware of her age.

Finally, having plea bargained his case before the judge he only fled after the judge went back on his word. He never would have taken that plea had he not relied on the judges word.

Finally the original prosecutor himself admits that if it had been him he would have fled as well since the judges behavior was so dishonest.

Polanski did not commit the kind of crime that he is often being accused of by so many people.

The final thing to consider is that the victim herself would prefer all this to go away.

[Betsy]

Every "liberal progressive" I know believes abuse of power is the worst kind of crime. Anyone who supports Polanski should read the child's testimony - it will break your heart. Sodomy of a drugged 13 year old girl is beneath contempt. The world is finally beginning to speak out with a united voice in protection of girls. Freeing Polanski would be a hideous step backwards.

[prefers older women]

Why is no one discussing the fact that the victim in this case, who is now married with children, wants the charges DROPPED? Why is this not RELEVANT?!

[Elaine Gilmartin]

Polanski's supporters are stunning! For example, on The View, Whoopi Goldberg said this event was not "rape, rape." Is this a new legal term? Perhaps Goldberg considers the drugging and sexual assault of a 13-year old model by her photographer "sexual harrassment," since the unwanted sex, anal and otherwise, occured on the job? Either way, it's a crime.

The miscarraige in justice is that a rich and famous man is allowed to avoid...in luxury... a sentence he so clearly deserved. Lock him up!

[reagan]

CNN: Please provide a copy of this petition so that I can make sure to never spend another penny on any movie these actors and directors make.

[b.b.]

Whoa don't tar liberal progressives with this. I am as liberal as anyone but very happy to see justice served. I understand Polanksi's contribution to culture, but the law is the law.

[azulle]

the fact that he is a brilliant film maker does not change the fact that he is a child rapist, and although the victim no longer thinks he should be held responsible for his crime (because she has already been compensated monetarily), it simply doesn't mean he shouldn't be. i don't give a flying f*** if he's 76 years old, if he's a beloved husband, father, great friend and artist... he is still a child rapist. Also, it is such a disappointment that so many of my favorite actors and directors would support such a person (although we could have expected such a response from woody allen). It's disgusting... I'd like to see them entrust their children and grandchildren to good old polanski. it was RAPE people... RAPE. gross. shame on them.
Man-up polanski... and face the music.

[gol]

I have taken note of who has signed petitions for Polanski. I will not be supporting any of these director's films. I have no respect for the Hollywood elite that excuse poor behavior from one of their own. They think they are a different class and should be exempt from following the law. Sick narcissistic fools! Would they feel the same if it was their 13 year daughter that was raped?

[Reader]

The lesson here is don't let your lawyers essentially challenge the DA to extradite you. Maybe a few months in jail fighting extradition--would you let him out on bail?-- now on top of the 42 days many years ago will add up to punishment that fits the crime.

The whole situation is a bit of comic relief from the real problems in the world. Incidentally, wouldn't Woody Allen be well advised to avoid signing petitions for child molesters?

[Steve]

He fled the country to avoid punishment, and why should anyone listen to celebrities they have a cop camaraderie. Woody? Yeah he’s the sharpest pencil on the page.

[Mephron]

Upland Bob: As a liberal, I think that he needs to be brought home to face justice. I am sickened by the number of Hollywood directors who have petitioned to have him set free because he was arrested at a film festival, most of whom really should know better.

He wants to deal with the legal situation? He needs to come back to the United States, surrender, and deal with it under California law. Brilliance in filmmaking does not mean he gets to negotiate from afar.

[MBell]

This isn't about being liberal or democrat, this is about being HUMANE to the victim. Has anyone listened to what the victim has said? She wants it to go away. She doesn;t want to relive it over and over again. She has requested the courts to drop it and move on. She is the one being punished by the judicial system and the media. She has attempted everyday of her life for all these years to forget about this horrific incident and everyone wants to continue to drag it out from behind the door. It is time we all put her interests ahead of this nonsense. At this point, she is a grown woman and should call the shots regarding this. She deserves to live free of this judicial disaster. BTW - The State of California doesn't have a case without her as their witness, maybe she should plead the 5th as not to incriminate herself, thus having to live through this ongoing hell!

[Marc Gartner]

He admitted to the crime, but didn't like the way sentencing might go, so he left the country.
How rich or famous do you have to be for you to get to choose your punishment??
He should have served it long ago. Shame on him and all those who support ignoring the crimes this CHILD RAPIST is guilty of.
Is there a list of all those that want him released? Those are names I want removed from my movie collection. I have no use for elitists that think just because you have fame, money, power, or are just cool, that you get to be a scumbag and get away with it.
At least OJ was man enough to go to trial. He's not a man. Just a lowlife waiting to see who his cell mate will be.

[Confused]

She settled for money before, what makes you think she isn't helping him now for money? The cats already out of the bag and it's already all over the news so what's the difference? The pain is there for her and always will be but what about all of the young victims who have been raped or abused? This lady is just being selfish. How dare him not have to serve the punishment for what he did. This is almost as outragous as the Lockerbie bomber being released. And shame on all of the Hollywood figures for backing him up. I am going to boycott all of their films. Woody Allen, figures. They're all a bunch of perverted scumbag directors. Suprised Harvey Weinstein didn't jump on the bandwagon too. He should be treated no differently than every other child rapist. After the whole Jaycee Dugard incident, I think Mr. Polanski is going to jail.

[Disgusted]

How many other victims has this pedophile left in his wake? Child sex preditors always, yes always, have more than one victim if they can get away with it. In Polanski's case it would be almost assured that he had plenty of other opportunities to repeat. Justice has not been served in this case even if the victim has put it behind her. Also, are the supporters of Polanski telling us that if you commit a crime and then escape from justice for thirty years the crime should be just swept under the rug? Shame on all of you. It makes me wonder what passes for ok in Hollywood. Of course that is a question that isn't hard to figure out in this case. Anyone who has doubts about how guilty Polanski is needs to read the victims grand jury testimony. You will not have doubts afterwards and if your not sickened then your not human. This man is truly scum.

[johnTRTT]

A felon and a fugitive in America is a hero in France! Go figure.

[ari]

No one has mentioned that Hollywood made Kubrick change Lolita's age from twelve (in the novel) to fourteen (in the movie)? Nabokov made some silly rationale for Humbert Humbert's behavior in the novel blaming it on a childhood incident. Art imitates life.

[Kerri Leas]

Polanski liquored up a 13 year old girl, plied her with drugs, then held her down and anally raped her.
Sorry, no matter what his job, his talents, his age, his abilities to stay one foot ahead of the law, he needs to go to jail.
There can be no excuses, no explanations, no apologists.
You rape a child, you belong in jail. Period.

[phil]

The "victim" in this case says she consented. I understand that because of her age this is still (statutory) rape... but it's ridiculous how media is approaching this issue. The headlines read "Roman Polanski's supporters sending wrong message about rape...", where they should read "Roman Polanski's supporters sending wrong message about hebephilia" or "Roman Polanski's supporters sending wrong message about statutory rape"... as there clearly weren't any "victims". But that wouldn't be sensational enough, would it? If she were a bit younger, and you could get away with it, you'd have titled your article "Roman Polanski's supporters sending wrong message about pedophilia".. as that would be sensational, and not dull or rare, as hebephilia.

Oh well, maybe you'll get lucky next time!

[anonymous]

Thanks LA D.A. for not forgetting the carriage of justice. As a survivor of abuse, I can understand why the victim wants it to just go away. However, he deserves to serve his time in JAIL, not in a comfortable life in France. I am not surprised by the movie industry's support since they were disgusting enough to give him an Academy Award, as well as projects and roles in the first place. I am sure they are used to sweeping dirty secrets away.

This determination to have this self admitted rapist and pedophile serve his sentence is a testament for those of us who have suffered that it does matter! Please do not bow to pressure from people who clearly have no regard for defenseless children.. And that fact that his wife was murdered does not excuse him from the crime he committed.

[Sandy]

I am a Democrat and fairly liberal and am appalled by the Hollywood elites' defense of this scumbag. Even if the sexual relationship had been consensual, it would still be rape. The fact that then thirteen year old testified before the grand jury that she did not give consent and was given drugs and alcohol is even more horrific. Yet we have people like Martin Scorsese and Howard Weinstein and Woody Allen, the beacon of morality, signing petitions for Polanski's release and Whoopi Goldberg on the View trying to minimize the act by saying it wasn't a" rape rape." And for good measure, guest host Melissa Gilbert reminding us to consider that the girl's parents were in the house at the time (Were charges of reckless endangerment brought against the parents? What sane person would allow a 4o year old man alone in a room with your child to take naked photos?).

All of the defenders are deranged. And shame on the now adult victim for not wanting a rapist to be held accountable for violating a child. Is that what she would want for her own child? What kind of message does it send? And how exactly has Polanski suffered? He had to live in exile in Paris and Switzerland for 30 years while successfully pursuing his directing career.

At the risk of sounding like a Conservative, I would have to agree that Hollywood is really out of touch with the mainstream if they do not think justice should be served by Polanski coming back to face the music. Kudos to prosecutors for continuing to pursue this case. I ' ll be routing for you.

[Nomo Stew]

Where do I sign up for Liberals Who Want to See Polanski Do Serious Time? I have a hard time believing that anyone who stands up for him is not a pedophile.

[A. Wolf]

Hurray LA Prosecutors' Office! This is the way the law works, you commit a crime and you must be punished for that crime. This is not about Los Angeles County's need for power and control, it is called justice, which is what we have hired the prosecutors office to do. The only reason Samantha Geimer wants to "move on" is because she has a family now and wants to save herself and family public embarrassment. It's unfortunate that she isn't standing up for herself and the myriad of children who have been raped. Reading her comments in the LA Times I see how her words have been misconstrued, she has not forgiven him, she just does not want more heartache (ie media coverage). Everyone please don't lose sight of the horrible crime that was committed: a man raped a child, not just raped, but sodomized that child. He robbed her of her respect, and her youth. Ask yourself, if you have children, how can anyone who commits this sort of crime ever be redeemed, especially a man who has never suffered because of his crime. I hope that Roman Polanski finally gets his just punishment. I find it abhorrent that people like Debra Winger and Harvey Weinstein support him and forgive him his crime because he is an artist, or because he has "suffered" because of his extradition. This man should have been locked up for years. Living in France and skiing in Switzerland is not punishment. The LA prosecutors should feel shame that they didn't arrest him long ago. Do you think that Polanski's behavior was limited to a one night affair? How many other women or children has he molested in the last 3 decades? The Hollywood directors who are rallying around Polanski are forgetting something important: what would you do if it was your child that he raped and sodomized? I think they would be singing a different tune.

[Steve]

Why do people think there is a time limit on convicting someone of a crime? Is there a time limit on the damage they have done? Why should anyone be immune from justice based on time,wealth,fame or achievement? I feel if he is guilty he should still be punished. If hes innocent why has he spent most of his life overseas? If justice has an expiration date then I fear for the concept of justice itself. We should quit thinking in terms of time and think in terms of serving justice upon those who need to be examined by facts in a court of law. Just because he is a celebrity of some notoriety should make no difference in wether or not on a certain day many years ago he did or didnt commit a crime.If hes innocent he has nothing to fear! If hes guilty then he should pay his debt,its really that simple.

[Stefanina]

To the signatories of Jewish descent:

If Polanski's rape and sodomy of a child should be forgiven because it happened "30 years ago," should we equally absolve families who are in possession of stolen art from the Holocaust because it happened "60 years ago?"

Why are we being asked to reward the longevity of Polanski's crime? Because he directs movies? Please get some perspective.

[John Graham]

Dear Upland Bob,

Liberal progressives don't necessarily side with Polanski on this one!

You don't need to prompt people to look at themselves, we already have an opinion!

You Upland Bob, have made a big assumption.

I voted for Barack Obama and proud of it!

As far as Roman Polanski goes:
He is way past due in serving time for this. He is not going to get off of this easy. He shouldn't. Thirteen is four years younger than seventeen !!!

Yes I agree, this is The State of California vs. Polanski. Absolutely!

[A. Wolf]

To: Leslie Razo "This man should be left alone" ? Huh? Because he "suffered" from the Manson murder of his wife he should be excused for raping a child??? I don't get your logic. So, if your child is raped, are you going to forgive the assailant because he had a hard life himself? I think not, or do you not have children, as I suspect.

[Jayne]

I read the victim's grand jury testimony on thesmokinggun.com and it reads like a classic "how-to" for peodophiles to groom and then sexually abuse adolescents.

I find the excuses made by Hollywood, using the term "so-called" and blaming the authorities with "philistine" principles to be really, really creepy.

What other covicted felon in a sexual abuse case gets this type of excuse making? So he's been dodging justice for 30 years? So did that Serbian-American that the FBI recently sent back to Serbia to face charges.

Polanski had the opportunity to plead "not guilty" and have his day in court. He chose instead to plead guilty, and to admit knowing the victim was just 13 years of age (when the age of consent was 18). He acknowledged at his plea hearing that he understood the judge was not bound by the prosecutor's plea deal sentencing recommendation.

I think as a father, Polanski would not want his daughter Morgane to be left at the age of 13 in the clutches of a 43 year old man who plied her with alcohol, a sedative, took pictures of her partially unclothed, and after she was sufficiently stoned, sexually assaulted and sodomized her.

But maybe he, and his defenders, would be fine with giving their 13 year old daughters to such men for safe keeping...

[Michael]

This guy is a total creep and RAPED A 13 year old girl!

[Craig]

Leslie Razo, you can't be serious. HE RAPED A 13 YEAR OLD CHILD! Yet you think that he should be excused for this atrocity because his wife was killed? You make me sick.

[jack_sprat]

The spectacle of so-called 'artists' like Scorsese 'demanding' the release of the child rapist and malignant narcissist Roman Polanski is so very illuminating. His pathetic, coddled, vastly over-privileged fellow narcissists are but defending their own class right to abuse those who are not counted among their modern aristocracy. Remember this the next time one of these low-lives offers their opinion on virtually any subject; to a narcissist, the only thing that is real is themselves. The malignant narcissist extends that self to what rightfully belongs to others--life, body, sexuality, innocence, even soul. Pedophiles take all of these, if they can, and often construct elaborate self-images that cast themselves as victims, as has Polanski, and their victims as 'students' who needed their victimizers 'tutelage'.

[Oly]

You can't excuse what he did, and you can't let it go, but I think you can look at the full picture after several decades.

To ban him from the United States, and arrest him if he ever returns? Yes, that is fair since he chose to evade our legal system.

To go hunting him down in other countries after several decades, with his tragic history, his family, the victim's wishes, the lack of current risk posed, and the contrary sentiments in other countries? I see little gained.

De facto banishment seems to me the fair and less destructive way to deal with this.

[Tara]

I find it disturbing to read comments that state charges against Polanski should be dropped because of the trauma of losing his wife and unborn child in such a horrific manner. Many people have lives filled with trauma and abuse. Should they too be allowed to rape a child? Of course not.

It is a sad commentary on our star struck culture that there are those among us who would excuse the sexual abuse of a child based on the talent of the offender. As if money or power or wealth make the crime acceptable or lesser because the perpetrator is somehow special and therefore above the law. If Polanski was just some man that doped and raped a 13 year old child then he would be shipped back to the States without hesitation, face a bevy of additional charges in addition to the original charges he plead guilty to, and serve the time he is due and so rightly deserves. I hope that the authorities treat him like the pedophile that he is, thereby sending the message that our children are sacred and no amount of power or influence can excuse his heinous act.

[Progressive]

I'm a heavy-duty, liberal progressive and I think Polanski should get life in prison. Just because some of his friends think he has "served his time" - I don't. Liberals believe in equal justice before the law, regardless of your fame or fortune.

[Uncle Bernie]

I find it HIGHLY AMUSING that Woody Allen is defending Polanski. They have more in common than being directors.

[John]

He raped a 13 year old girl, he has admitted to it. How can anyone support him? What if it was your daughter? If fact he should be punished for the rape as well as escaping the law and living as a fugitive for over 30 years. For justice to prevail he would have to spend the rest of his natural born life behind bars.

[LJ]

Upland Bob, me and my friends are as liberal as they come...and we all believe "you commit the crime, you do the time." Don't make this partisan politics. This crime doesn't concern me, it concerns the law. You have anal sex with an unconsenting minor, you best get caught and suffer the consequences . Justice, godspeed.

[Jean V]

Call me a "philistine" but his drugging, raping and sodomizing a thirteen-year-old middle-school girl and then becoming a fugitive from justice is more important to me than his movie-making skills.

Coddling a rapist may make Polanski's morally bankrupt supporters feel smug. It makes me sick with disgust.

However, I must thank them for speaking out and signing a petition. It makes it so much easier to know whom to boycott.

[Creation Rebel]

Those calling for this man's release are sick.

The man admitted to having relations with a minor.

He should go to jail. Period.

[Karin]

As a french citizen living in France now, I'm absolutely outraged by our politician's behaviour ! The French are NOT supporting Polansli at all !!
I'll say that 90 % of the population here believe that justice should be the same for everyone... France hid Polanski for 30 years, now it's time for him to face the facts as ANYONE. Talent has nothing to do with this...

[Kire]

Woody Allen defending a creep who drugged and raped a 13 year old.

Wow. So, just when you think someone's lost their ability to be funny, they come up with something so rich.

[Dan]

He anal raped a 13 year old girl after drugging her, then flees from justice!
His celebrity somehow should exonerate him from this hideous crime?
He produces great pictures, so what.
If a construction worker labors well does that mean he can commit rape?
How can any actress stand up for him?
I really don't get it.

[Voice of Poland]

If he wasn't rich he woluldn't have any problem. It is hypocrisy of Americans. Many such examples wasn't finished by the senteces.

[Payanis29]

francaise, je ne soutiens pas la position des artistes et politiques envers R.Polanski.
Il s'agit bien d'un crime et il doit etre juge.
Nombreux francais et francaises sont avec la position americaine.
Personne ne peut avoir une relation sexuelle avec une fillette de 13 ans, encore moins s'il a plus de 40 ans.
Cela est reprehensible et doit etre juge.

[Jaap den Haan]

Kafka is back.
Mahatma KH

I know nothing and everything.
With love.

The rule of law of California is in a crisis. That Polanski still would have to pay for what has been - as suggested - selected from among his many crimes, is a bit absurd, and is a flaw. It is also traumatising to the victim, whose reason transcends her indignation more diligent than the law. Polanski calls forth sinister images, and also intensifies prejudice, which is part of his work, and his life, his life's work, a mission which has more often gone over his head. Guilt is a philosophical question here.
I don't know much about Polanski and his films, so I cannot be a supporter, and I never brought them up in a talk, but they were brought up several times to me by girls, I now understand better why - a thirteen-year old girl had involuntary sex with the director who was known as an adult - but I always knew that his personal life and films have something in common. Crime is intertwined everywhere, especially in our feelings and thoughts, and nobody is innocent.
I once spoke with a woman, and I had an impression of something strange, which I asked her could relate to anything from her experience. I cannot assure you it is true, but from the detail I mentioned, she remembered that she visited a house for sale in Los Angeles, with her family who wanted to buy it at the time, which was next door to the one where among others Polanski's wife Sharon Tate was murdered afterwards, and that she had had a very strange feeling there. She was only a child then. Her parents haven't bought the house. Shortly afterwards it seems the killers went through the garden of that house to enter.

Murderers often have a desire to go through my backyard, by the way, I don't know why.
(A possibility is:
1. They try to be something they are not.
2. They try to borrow from my innocence.
...
This may apply,
also in this case.)

Nobody has ever been the same since.

[Lalit Rao]

It is really bizarre that some of the big names in Hollywood cinema factory are defending Roman Polanski and asking for his release.This will be a real defeat for all those children and women who have been raped by rich and influential people.It is high time people like Woody Allen stop supporting a man who committed a horrible crime.

[boston-gal62]

Kudos to Steve Lopez for his article on this pig Polanski. Lopez is a voice of common sense and reason on his Polanski article! Well done Steve. It's so unbelievable the lengths some people will play mind-twister in their heads attempting to justify this person's actions! Also I find it curious that no one questions his overt interest in teen girls. Remember Nastassja Kinski? She was only 15 when Roman and her began a "relationship". He's quite something and not in a good way obviously.

Keep the truth going on about this case. Don't let it get bogged down with un-truthes published in the LA rags.

Finally, can you find to "rape-rape" means? Obviously Whoopie it truly reaching at straws to back up this pervert.

[krissy]

He is disgusting.

[Fed Up]

Yup, there it is, one justice system for the the Hollywood "Elite" and one for the rest of us. What happen to Sharon Tate should also not be allowed as an "excuse" for his behavior.

[nana of one]

Oh yesw, Woody Allen the morals cop! They are both lower than dog poop!

[Ashley]

What in God's name makes you think that just because I voted for Obama, I condone what Polanski did to this young girl? You're painting with the same broad, uninformed brush as someone who says anyone who opposes Obama is a racist.

[G. Z.]

From Facebook Comments Thread I read:

This has been a very frustrating thread to read simply because it is a lesson in illogical/2D thought. It is confounding that so many people filter this story through a single talking point that they picked up either on TV or in a movie.

1) Tax Dollars - Tax dollars? Wow, all the money you have can not buy back the precedent allowing this kind of behavior to go unpunished creates.
It is a slippery slope to begin metering out justice based on cost per convict.

2) Consensual Sex - A 13 year old can not consent to sex. To make that comment you are ignorant of the law and lack common sense. I have heard "reports" of bigfoot but I am not in the woods with a camera. Its absurd to assert a 13 year old can consent; to say so shames this discussion and the poster. Children have the ability to parrot adult emotions but they can not fake experience. They play house together and mimic adult roles...but they are not adults. It is impossible for a 13 year old to have a complete understanding of her environment. The assertion that because the girl lived in "the fast lane" she was more prepared to deal with this sort of experience is fundamentally flawed. If anything not having a "stable" environment makes children more susceptible to predators. There is an inherent vulnerability in these children, not only they are exposed to all sorts of shady characters, but also because they don't have a chance to go through a healthy maturation process. No matter how intelligent a child may seem, they are without life experience and more importantly lack perspective. To believe the child has any real emotional control over their life is inane. Its simply not true and doesn't hold up to any scrutiny. I am flabbergasted by the repetition of this comment

3) Iran/Iraq/More Important Issues - I assure you the LAPD has nothing to do with preventing Nukes in Iran. That is like saying the Royal Canadian Mounted police is ignoring its duty in Darfur. If rape is too small a crime to be pursued, maybe we should start other cut backs as well? Perhaps we could stop giving out speed tickets until there is peace in Iraq? Maybe, there aren't enough resources to justify drug bust in Chicago until China cleans up its environment. You are making a spurious connection between this case and misappropriation of resources. The two things are unrelated and it make no sense to belabor this point any further.

4) Semantics of the Charge - Is it Rape or Assault? Is she a minor or a child? Look, debating semantics mitigates the crime – even if unintentionally. It creates room for discussion and doubt. It muddies the water and creates areas for debate to exist in a situation that should have NO debate. It is in those gray areas that people find justification and are able to rationalize terrible actions.
Let me make this very clear - He drugged and sodomized a 13 year old girl. He drugged and sodomized a 13 year old girl. He drugged and sodomized a 13 year old girl. He has admitted that he committed the crime and if you are on here in his defense you are a sick individual – either too in love with your own intellect and contrarian nature to do the right thing OR a sycophant to a pedophile. Either way I am sad that I share the air with you.

5) It was Plot, Victim & Mom's Fault - A 13 year old drunk and on drugs is not capable of manipulating a 40+ year old man. It is utterly insensitive and insane to make that sort of statement. Any attempt to shade the 13 year old girl as complicit in her own victimization is truly disgusting - but considering our societies history with sexual assault not surprising. By saying these you are re-iterating the ubiquitous pedophile/rapist defense – “she was asking for it”. Nice. Real class on your part.

6) She Forgave Him, Let it go - the recidivism rates for people that engage in pedophilia/rape is ridiculous high and it is extremely unlikely we are talking about a onetime thing here. The fact that his crime was premeditated and deliberate implies this is a proclivity not a mistake. Even if the victim forgives the rapist it is societies job to punish him - both to set an example and to protect others.

7) Where were her parents? - You ask, "Where were the girl's parents when she was hanging out with Jack and Roman?"...I have no idea what bearing that has on Polanski's duty to be a moral human being but I ask you - What wholesome reason would a 44 year old man have for hanging out with a 13 year old girl?

Bottom Line: When you repost any of these seven counter points you are helping to propagate ignorance. The man raped a child. There is no debate to be had. I am not sure if these reoccurring defensive tactics are a result of media talking points or just faulty logic, but either way it is disgusting. Making these comments diminishes you for posting and punctuates how difficult it is for sexual assaults to be taken seriously in our society. It is a sad sad thing to see the pro-Polanski comments on here. The great irony is that the pro-Polanski faction imagines themselves as "open minded" and "forward thinking", but in the end they are helping an old rich man get away with victimizing a small child and the justice system. When I am called "provincial" or accused of "living in a bygone era" I have to chuckle - as if the morals of this situation are just too old fashioned. If it wasn't so sad I really would laugh.

[Brad]

Why is this so confusing? He is a criminal who fled the country and should have been brought to justice years ago. That he is a very talented and admired film maker is an unfortunate circumstance but should not absolve him from his crime. He is a fugitive and should be brought back to the United States and face the laws and judiciary process that were made to govern our society. Anything less is just paving the way for further disregard of the law.

[Jaap den Haan]

I also have to think here about Sai baba who has been accused of pedophilia.
But let's admit it: Polanski didn't play football.

[South LA Dweller]

WITCH HUNT??? No PREDATOR HUNT. Read the transcripts of the Grand Jury and tell me that if that wasn't your 13 year old daughter you would just turn the other cheek. This is what is so damaging to young girls who have been raped or molested. People care more about the impact it has on the rapist than the impact it has on the child. She was 13...13. He was in his 40's. Why this man is now considered the victim I do not understand nor care to understand.

Oh, and by the way I am a blue blooded LEFT OF THE LEFT Liberal. But wrong is wrong.