Roman Polanski’s defamation trial begins in Paris
Director Roman Polanski‘s trial in Paris has begun on March 5th after he was charged with defaming British actor Charlotte Lewis.
Lewis made her movie debut in 1986 when she appeared in Polanski’s film Pirates. In 2010, the actor claimed Polanski had sexually assaulted her “in the worst possible way” at a casting audition that took place in Paris in 1983, when she was aged 16.
During a 2019 interview with Paris Match, Polanski discussed Lewis’ allegation, calling it a “heinous lie”. Furthermore, he also pulled out an interview she made with the now-defunct newspaper News of the World in 1999. In the piece, she allegedly commented: “I was fascinated by him, and I wanted to be his lover.”
Lewis claims the quotes attributed to her by the News of the World are inaccurate and she denies saying those words. The actor filed a complaint for defamation, leading to Polanski to be automatically charged under French law.
The director is not expected to be present at the trial, and will be represented by his legal team.
Lewis’ lawyer, Benjamin Chouai, told AFP: “Discrediting and defaming [people] is an integral part of the Polanski system, and this is what Charlotte Lewis is very bravely calling out.”
Meanwhile, Polanski’s lawyer, Delphine Meillet, claimed her client didn’t defame Lewis during his interview with Paris Match. “Polanski has the right to defend himself publicly, as does the woman who accuses him,” she said.
Polanski’s legal team have asked Stuart White to appear as a witness during the trial in Paris. White is the journalist responsible for interviewing Lewis for the News of the World in 1999 while he worked as the newspaper’s US correspondent. He now works as a screenwriter.
The Oscar-winning director fled to Europe from the United States in 1978, where he is wanted over an accusation over the alleged rape of a 13-year-old in 1977, which Polanski denies.
In light of the MeToo movement between 2017 and 2019, four more women made public allegations against Polanski relating to alleged incidents of sexual abuse in the 1970s. Three of the alleged victims were minors at the time. Polanski denies all of the allegations.
Polanski’s released his most recent film, The Palace, in 2023. The movie, starring Oliver Masucci and John Cleese, premiered at Venice Film Festival without the director present.
This is a developing story.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
Never Miss A Scene
The Far Out Film Newsletter
All the latest film news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.