Roman Polanski- lawsuit alleging director raped teenager in 1973 settled and dismissed

Oscar-winning film director Roman Polanski, now 91, has settled a civil suit accusing him of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in Los Angeles in 1973, bringing an end to a case that was set to go to trial next August. The lawsuit, filed in June 2023, alleged that Polanski took the teenager, referred to as Jane Doe, to dinner and provided her with tequila, after which she felt dizzy and he drove her to his home, where the assault allegedly occurred.

Gloria Allred, the attorney representing the plaintiff, described the alleged incident and its emotional impact, stating, “She told him: ‘Please don’t do this,’” and that it caused her “tremendous physical, emotional pain and suffering.”

However, Alexander Rufus-Isaacs, Polanski’s lawyer, confirmed to Agence France-Presse that the case had been settled in the summer to the “mutual satisfaction” of both parties and has now been formally dismissed. Allred also affirmed this agreement to The Guardian, indicating that both sides were satisfied with the resolution.

The civil suit came just before the expiration of a California law allowing extended claims against alleged perpetrators of sexual crimes, and it sought unspecified damages. In July, court documents indicated that a “conditional” agreement had been reached.

Polanski, a controversial figure due to his past, pleaded guilty to the statutory rape of 13-year-old Samantha Geimer in 1977 but fled to France the following year, avoiding trial on more serious charges. He has remained a fugitive from U.S. authorities ever since.

Over the years, several women have accused him of abuse, including allegations from the 1970s when three of these women were alleged minors. Polanski has consistently denied all allegations against him. Most recently, a French court ruled in his favor regarding a defamation case brought by Charlotte Lewis, who accused him of rape in 1983.

This complex case continues to evoke a wide range of responses and opinions regarding Polanski’s legacy and the broader issues of sexual assault and accountability in Hollywood.