A French court has acquitted filmmaker Roman Polanski of defamation charges brought by British actor Charlotte Lewis, who accused him of sexual assault when she was a child. The court's ruling was not a verdict on the assault accusation itself but rather on Polanski's dismissal of Lewis' claim as a "heinous lie" in a 2019 interview with Paris Match magazine.
During the trial, which commenced in March, Lewis, now 56, testified that she did not file a rape complaint against Polanski due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. Polanski, who was not present at the court hearing, has faced multiple accusations of sexual assault spanning several decades, including a high-profile case in 1977 involving the rape of a 13-year-old girl. He pleaded guilty but fled the United States before sentencing.
The acquittal, delivered by a Paris court, underscores the complexity of cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, particularly when they intersect with the legal framework of defamation. Despite the court's decision, Lewis expressed disappointment with the verdict and indicated plans to appeal, emphasizing that the matter is far from concluded.
Polanski's lawyer hailed the ruling as a victory for the principle of defending against accusations, particularly significant given the timing of the verdict coinciding with the opening day of the Cannes Film Festival. The filmmaker's legal battles continue, including an upcoming civil trial in Santa Monica over rape allegations dating back to 1973, further highlighting the enduring controversy surrounding his career and personal life.
