Renowned director Roman Polanski is facing legal troubles once again as he has been sued in a lawsuit alleging that he drugged and raped a minor back in 1973. The lawsuit was filed by an unidentified plaintiff in Los Angeles Superior Court last year, with the court recently allowing the plaintiff to name Polanski as the defendant.
The lawsuit claims that Polanski invited the woman to dinner when she was a teenager after meeting her at a party. Allegedly, he provided her with alcohol, and upon returning to his house, the woman fell asleep only to wake up to him lying next to her. Despite her protests, the plaintiff alleges that Polanski proceeded to sexually assault her, leading to claims of rape, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Notably, the lawsuit was brought under a 2020 amendment to California's statute of limitations for certain sex crimes, allowing victims of childhood sexual assault more time to seek legal recourse. Gloria Allred, who represents the woman, confirmed that Polanski has been served the lawsuit in France, where he currently resides, and that depositions are planned.
This legal battle is not the first for Polanski, who in 1977 pleaded guilty to engaging in unlawful sex with a minor after being arrested for raping a 13-year-old girl. Fleeing to France after learning of a potential change in his sentencing, Polanski has since evaded returning to the United States to face justice.
Recent developments in the case include the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office dropping its opposition to unsealing a former prosecutor's testimony, citing potential irregularities in the proceedings. This move could impact Polanski's legal status and potentially allow him to return to the U.S. without serving prison time for his original criminal case.
Despite calls for dismissal and pleas from the victim in the 1977 case, Polanski's legal saga continues, with extradition requests from France and Poland being denied. The outcome of the ongoing legal battles remains uncertain as the disgraced director faces renewed scrutiny over his past actions.
