News

Roman Polanski Seeking Dismissal of Sex Charges

Director Roman Polanski, who fled the country after being charged with having sex with a 13-year-old girl, is seeking dismissal of those decades-old charges, according to papers filed by his legal team in Los Angeles Superior Court. Polanski had pleaded guilty to unlawful intercourse in 1978 and subsequently fled the country to avoid sentencing. He was indicted on six felony counts and faced a life prison sentence. He has lived abroad in Paris, where he holds citizenship, ever since.

The director's legal team claims that there were instances of both judicial and prosecutorial misconduct in relation to the charges, illustrated in the documentary Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired. Lawyers claim that the victim, Samantha Geimer, has made repeated requests to have the case dismissed.

The court has declined to comment on the pending case, but has restated that Polanski needs to appear in person, where he would be taken for sentencing on the original charges, as he is considered a fugitive from justice. A hearing for the motion is set for January 21.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
12.04.08