Paris, France – Acclaimed director Roman Polanski has been acquitted by a Paris court of defamation against British actor Charlotte Lewis. Lewis had accused Polanski of raping her when she was a teenager, but the court found in favor of the 90-year-old filmmaker.
The case stemmed from Polanski’s comments in a 2019 Paris Match interview where he refuted Lewis’ claims of sexual assault from four decades ago. During the trial, Lewis argued that she had been the target of a “smear campaign” that had severely impacted her life.
Despite the court’s ruling on the defamation charge, it did not address Lewis’ rape accusation against Polanski. The judges determined that Polanski’s statements were more of a judgment on Lewis’ character rather than an attack on her honor.
Polanski, infamous for fleeing the United States in 1978 after admitting to illicit relations with a minor, has faced multiple accusations of abuse from other women. However, he has consistently denied all such claims against him.
In 2010, Lewis alleged that Polanski had assaulted her when she was 16 years old during a casting session in Paris. Despite appearing in Polanski’s film “Pirates” in 1986, Lewis maintained that the assault had occurred.
Throughout the proceedings, Polanski did not attend the trial, adding further complexity to the legal battle between the director and his accuser. The case not only sheds light on the ongoing controversies surrounding Polanski but also raises questions about accountability in the entertainment industry.
Moving forward, Lewis has expressed her intention to appeal the court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of seeking justice and holding individuals accountable for their actions. As the legal battle continues, the case serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges in addressing allegations of sexual assault and misconduct in the film industry.