A Roman Polanski petition is floating around Hollywood right now. The Roman Polanski petition demands the immediate release of Roman Polanski, with the creators stating that they were astonished that Roman Polanski was arrested. This petition is in direct response to the news that Roman Polanski was arrested by Swiss police on September 26th when he arrived in Zurich, Switzerland. It’s a bit shocking that so many people are willing to stand up and sign a petition to get Polanski released, and I must honestly say that these people are risking putting themselves in a negative light with many people in this country who do not support the crimes that Polanski committed.
More than 100 people of the film community have signed a petition that demands the release of Roman Polanski (linked at end of article), and it’s a bit amazing which people are willing to put their necks out there. On the list are Woody Allen, Asia Argento, Martin Scorcese, and Tilda Swinton just to name a few. Now I am the first to admit that many of the people on this list of Polanski supporters are extremely talented in their craft. At the same time though, it doesn’t mean that they are in the right with this petition. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but you won’t find this writer siding in support of someone that pleaded guilty to having sexual relations with a 13 year old kid.
Roman Polanski was originally charged with several crimes back in 1977 that stemmed from an incident where he gave alcohol and drugs to a 13-year old, and then allegedly sexually assaulted her. A Grand Jury heard her testimony and was ready to go forward with the case until Polanski entered into a plea agreement where he would simply plead guilty for having sex with a minor. Before he faced the judge though, he skipped out on bail, and then fled the country (additional crimes). Now it has been about 30 years that Polanski has been out of the United States, and he is finally at risk of bring brought back to face charges.
What surprises me is that so many people are putting their names on a petition stating that it was all right what Polanski did. Maybe it’s that they don’t believe the girls story, and would rather defend their friend in the industry, but why is it so shocking that a criminal is being asked to face criminal charges? The Roman Polanski petition still seems to be gaining names and support, but at the same time there have been numerous people in the press stating that they do not agree with what they allege that Polanski did. I don’t support his actions either, and he needs to be held accountable.
Sources:
Roman Polansky Petition
Petition of Roman Polansky Signatures
