A French court has acquitted filmmaker Roman Polanski of defaming a British actor in a recent ruling. The case centered around comments Polanski made in a 2019 interview with Paris Match magazine, where he referred to the actor as a liar after she accused him of sexual assault. The court's decision focused solely on whether Polanski's remarks constituted defamation against the actor, rather than the veracity of the assault allegations.
The verdict, delivered in a Paris court, did not address the truth of the rape accusation but rather examined the legal implications of Polanski's statements. The actor, who felt disappointed by the ruling, has expressed her intention to appeal the decision, stating that for her, the matter is not yet resolved.
Polanski, who was not present in court during the ruling, was informed of the outcome by his lawyer. The lawyer emphasized that the court recognized Polanski's right to defend himself against accusations and highlighted the significance of the verdict coinciding with the opening day of the Cannes Film Festival.
The core of the dispute revolved around Polanski's denial of the actor's sexual assault allegations during the 2019 interview. The actor had accused Polanski of abusing her when she was 16 years old during a casting session in Paris in 1983. Polanski, a renowned director known for films such as 'Rosemary's Baby' and 'Chinatown,' has faced multiple accusations of sexual assault spanning several decades.
One of the most notable cases against Polanski dates back to 1977 when he was charged with the rape of a 13-year-old in the United States. Despite pleading guilty, Polanski fled to Europe before sentencing could be carried out. The recent court ruling in France adds another chapter to the controversial legal history surrounding the acclaimed filmmaker.
