Roman Polanski.............

[BeachGirlFLA]

He was already convicted. He admitted it. He skipped before he was sentenced.

There are still charges pending...not to mention there will be a new charge because he fled.

 

[MaumeeMom]

I cannot belive that there are actually people signing petitions and speaking out about letting this guy off!! He raped a 13 year old girl!!! I don't care how long ago it was, he needs to answer for his crime. Then you have Whoopi Goldberg saying "it wasn't "rape rape". She disgusts me. Really Whoopi, it would be fine with you for some 40 year old man to drug your 13 year old daughter and rape her? Then you have Woody Allen signing the petition demanding Polanski's release. Hmm, I guess pedophiles need to stick together.

The comments by Whoopi Goldberg have been taken out of context to be used as a sound-bite.

I do not condone what Polanski did nor do I support those who have signed a petition for his release. However, that being said, there is much misinformation out there regarding this case. I hope that you have read the original court papers and re-watched the clip from the View so that you have all the facts straight.

PARTIAL
OP, I'm not sure why you dragged Whoopi into this. I saw her on The View and she was simply trying to get the fact out there that the actual outstanding "charge" against him for which he is being extradited is not for rape....
Regardless of what happened, he is NOT being brought back on rape charges. That's all she was doing and people do need to get their facts straight. She was in NO way supporting him at all.

Thank you, I was beginning to think I saw a whole different show than the rest of the world.

PARTIAL
Whoopi was not saying the girl was not raped, she was simply trying to make sure that viewers understood that no matter how you feel about it, he is not going to be punished for "rape."

Exactly, as the moderator, Whoopi was trying to get the facts straight but unfortunately, things were too muddled to straighten them out. Whoopi was trying to protect the show and the hosts. If they kept saying that RP was convicted of something that he wasn't it could open them up to slander charges.

What happened was horrible. I hope that RP is returned to the United States for sentencing. As for those who have signed the petition, I will try to boycott their movies in the future.

 

[mkel34]

How does one take this out of context?

Goldberg said “I know it wasn’t rape-rape. I think it was something else, but I don’t believe it was rape-rape.”

 

[Briarmom]

How does one take this out of context?

Goldberg said “I know it wasn’t rape-rape. I think it was something else, but I don’t believe it was rape-rape.”

If you'd read the thread, you'd know the answer.

 

[MaumeeMom]

How does one take this out of context?

Goldberg said “I know it wasn’t rape-rape. I think it was something else, but I don’t believe it was rape-rape.”

Like it or not, in legal terms there are different levels of "rape".

I took this from Wikipedia:

The phrase statutory rape is a term used in some legal jurisdictions to describe consensual sexual relations that occur when one participant is below the age required to legally consent to the behavior.[1] Although it usually refers to adults engaging in sex with minors under the age of consent,[1] the age at which individuals are considered competent to give consent to sexual conduct, it is a generic term, and very few jurisdictions use the actual term "statutory rape" in the language of statutes.[2] Different jurisdictions use many different statutory terms for the crime, such as "sexual assault," "rape of a child," "corruption of a minor," "carnal knowledge of a minor," "unlawful carnal knowledge", or simply "carnal knowledge."

Statutory rape differs from forcible rape in that overt force or threat need not be present. The laws presume coercion, because a minor or mentally challenged.

The term statutory rape generally refers to sex between an adult and a sexually mature minor past the age of puberty. Sexual relations with a prepubescent child, generically called "child molestation," is typically treated as a more serious crime.

Polanski was not convicted of "Rape" or "Forcible Rape", he plead guilty to one count of unlawful sexual intercourse. In legal terms this is not "Rape".

It isn't right and I am on record as being in agreement with the extradition of Polanski and that he should be punished.

What I do not agree with is people saying that Whoopi is "Pro-rape" or excusing what Polanski did when, if you watch the clips, she is not. Whoopi was trying to clarify what Polanski had been charged with, not condoning what he had done.

The artist who have signed the petition to free Polanski on the other hand are condoning what he did and they are the ones that should be ripped apart in the press and message boards, not Whoopi.

 

[Briarmom]

Polanski was not convicted of "Rape" or "Forcible Rape", he plead guilty to one count of unlawful sexual intercourse. In legal terms this is not "Rape".

It isn't right and I am on record as being in agreement with the extradition of Polanski and that he should be punished.

What I do not agree with is people saying that Whoopi is "Pro-rape" or excusing what Polanski did when, if you watch the clips, she is not. Whoopi was trying to clarify what Polanski had been charged with, not condoning what he had done.

The artist who have signed the petition to free Polanski on the other hand are condoning what he did and they are the ones that should be ripped apart in the press and message boards, not Whoopi.

 

[Skywalker]

I believe I read an article a few days ago when this story broke where even she says "for heavens sake, just drop it!!"

My opinion on this is...so what? Who cares if the victim forgives or wants the trial to go away? What happens if a victim's family due to religious reasons forgives a murderer? Open the prison gates and let him out? What happens if a victim doesn't really forgive but is intimidated or manipulated into saying so...let the criminal out?

Justice should be between the courts and the accused. It is not up to the victim. Nor is it up to the victim the other way...some victims might want the accused shot just for stealing the paper off their driveway, but that is not up to them either.

 

[DVC Sadie]

Like it or not, in legal terms there are different levels of "rape".

I took this from Wikipedia:


Polanski was not convicted of "Rape" or "Forcible Rape", he plead guilty to one count of unlawful sexual intercourse. In legal terms this is not "Rape".

It isn't right and I am on record as being in agreement with the extradition of Polanski and that he should be punished.

What I do not agree with is people saying that Whoopi is "Pro-rape" or excusing what Polanski did when, if you watch the clips, she is not. Whoopi was trying to clarify what Polanski had been charged with, not condoning what he had done.

The artist who have signed the petition to free Polanski on the other hand are condoning what he did and they are the ones that should be ripped apart in the press and message boards, not Whoopi.

I agree.


I wonder how many celebrities like Debra Winger would speak in favor of someone who committed the same crime if they happened to be a blue collar worker. Not any, I'm sure.

 

[brockash]

You may not care if it was yesterday or 50 years ago, but I believe the statute of limitations of rape is only like 7 years (I could be wrong on the amount, but there is a definite time frame). So he couldn't be charged with rape this late in the game. Now, being a fugative of justice doesn't have a time limit, so he can be charged with that.

The statute of limitations really shouldn't apply in this case. He was brought up on the charges in a timely manner, he just chose to flee/fail to appear. As long as he was charged and brought on those charges in a timely manner, the statute of limitations was already met. He's just delayed the charges/case that he was brought on by fleeing. He doesn't get a "free pass" legally, just because he failed to appear. Ppl. fail to appear to court all the time; eventually they get caught and the case resumes at that time, with some additional charges of course

 

[brockash]

My opinion on this is...so what? Who cares if the victim forgives or wants the trial to go away? What happens if a victim's family due to religious reasons forgives a murderer? Open the prison gates and let him out? What happens if a victim doesn't really forgive but is intimidated or manipulated into saying so...let the criminal out?

Justice should be between the courts and the accused. It is not up to the victim. Nor is it up to the victim the other way...some victims might want the accused shot just for stealing the paper off their driveway, but that is not up to them either.

Very true. Ppl. need to understand that in a criminal case it's not the victim against the defendant. It's the state against the defendant. Civil court is when it would be the victim against the defendant. Although generally speaking prosecutor's do want a victim's opinion; it still doesn't change the law or the enforcement of that law. You see it all the time in domestic violence cases, in particular.

 

[Tuffcookie]

Just because someone has the means to flee the country to avoid prosecution doesn't mean the judical system should just forget it!

The people supporting this man need to be careful. You are judged by the company you keep.

TC

 

[Geoff_M]

The comments by Whoopi Goldberg have been taken out of context to be used as a sound-bite.

I do not condone what Polanski did nor do I support those who have signed a petition for his release. However, that being said, there is much misinformation out there regarding this case. I hope that you have read the original court papers and re-watched the clip from the View so that you have all the facts straight.

I've read both and watched the clip of Goldberg... and she's off her rocker. While I understand in her somewhat rambling comments she says that she's just trying to be technical about the lesser charge he had agreed to plead to versus what he actually did, she appears to contradict herself with other parts of her comments. She clearly seemed to think at the time that the acts weren't forced on the victim and this was something along the lines of a teen and an adult consuming alcohol & drugs together, having a good time... and then "one thing just led to another" and they were just star-crossed lovers until her parents got wind of it, freaked out, and called the cops. Whoopi presses that notion further by her steering into the "It's a Europe vs. American values thing" with this comment...

"We're a different kind of society. We see things differently. The world sees 13 year olds and 14 year olds in the rest of Europe... not everybody agrees with the way we see things..."

You see, adult men in Europe have sex with 13 year-old girls all the time and it's not that big of a deal to them versus us stuck-up Americans.

I think if Whoopi would get her head out of the Hollywood echo chamber, read the transcript of the victim's testimony, she'd see that the actions of Polanski were right out of the standard playbook of a child molester. 1) Have a position of authority over the child, 2) Isolate the child, 3) Slowly set the attack by asking the victim to do a series of tasks (alcohol, drugs, remove articles of clothing, etc.), 3) Don't take "no" for an answer, etc., etc.

 

[EMom]

Debra Winger's sanctimonious little speech portraying Polanski as THE VICTIM made me want to vomit. My gut instinct was to wonder whether if HER child had been raped and sodomized, if she'd have the attitude that it's all just a "technicality" and we should get over it. Or whether if Ms. Winger was dragged off into a building and raped and sodomized, would she be so "what's the big deal?" in her attitude.

No.....This whole movement to "Free Roman" reeks of, "Well, maybe he DID it, but he's so very, very special (dare I say it.....a snowflake!) that he simply cannot be held to the same standard as the rest of those uncreative, doltish child rapists out there. I mean, child rapists of his stature in the film world come around once in a lifetime and what's more important???? Letting him make movies to enrich our lives or dwelling on one teeny weeny case of rape and sodomy of a child? Let's put it in persepective. He's not an average person......He's SPECIAL. We have to understand and appreciate his quirks, even if that involves raping little girls. It's not as if he's a plumber, construction worker, accountant, teacher or some other person who truly ought to be held accountable. Now let's concentrate on THOSE people......The ones who REALLY need to spend time in prison and let Film God Roman alone to do his genius work........you ignorant peasants!"

Debra Winger is now on my very short, "I'll never see one of her movies again list," along with Polanski and Woody Allen.

 

[DVC Sadie]

Debra Winger's sanctimonious little speech portraying Polanski as THE VICTIM made me want to vomit. My gut instinct was to wonder whether if HER child had been raped and sodomized, if she'd have the attitude that it's all just a "technicality" and we should get over it. Or whether if Ms. Winger was dragged off into a building and raped and sodomized, would she be so "what's the big deal?" in her attitude.

No.....This whole movement to "Free Roman" reeks of, "Well, maybe he DID it, but he's so very, very special (dare I say it.....a snowflake!) that he simply cannot be held to the same standard as the rest of those uncreative, doltish child rapists out there. I mean, child rapists of his stature in the film world come around once in a lifetime and what's more important???? Letting him make movies to enrich our lives or dwelling on one teeny weeny case of rape and sodomy of a child? Let's put it in persepective. He's not an average person......He's SPECIAL. We have to understand and appreciate his quirks, even if that involves raping little girls. It's not as if he's a plumber, construction worker, accountant, teacher or some other person who truly ought to be held accountable. Now let's concentrate on THOSE people......The ones who REALLY need to spend time in prison and let Film God Roman alone to do his genius work........you ignorant peasants!"

Debra Winger is now on my very short, "I'll never see one of her movies again list," along with Polanski and Woody Allen.

You said exactly what I was trying to convey in my prior post but you did it so much more eloquently.

I would rather have all my teeth pulled than to go see any of the people you listed in any movie.

 

[SNylund]

Hollywood types really stick together, unless RP was a conservative Republican, then they would no doubt be out to lynch him.

 

[Tuffcookie]

EMom, I couldn't have said it any better!

TC

 

[MaumeeMom]

Very true. Ppl. need to understand that in a criminal case it's not the victim against the defendant. It's the state against the defendant. Civil court is when it would be the victim against the defendant. Although generally speaking prosecutor's do want a victim's opinion; it still doesn't change the law or the enforcement of that law. You see it all the time in domestic violence cases, in particular.

Correct

The Victim settled a civil case against Polanski for an unspecified amount of money.

The case for which Polanski is being extradited was brought by "the people of California". What the victim wanted at the time was taken into account when they agreed to a plea bargain. By accepting the guilty plea for a lessor charge, Polanski would not have to stand trial, therefore the victim would not have to testify in court. The plea bargain was for the sake of the victim. Unfortunately, by fleeing, Polanski has forced this victim to relive this assault over and over every few years as the case is publicized.

PARTIAL
Debra Winger is now on my very short, "I'll never see one of her movies again list," along with Polanski and Woody Allen.

Agreed.

 

[merryweather20]

I don't see the outrage. It happened 32 years ago, the "girl" is now 45 years old and received an undisclosed settlement amount at the time. I believe I read an article a few days ago when this story broke where even she says "for heavens sake, just drop it!!"

It's obvious that Roman Polanski hasn't been out there raping other girls or the news would have surfaced by now. He obviously isn't a danger to society and the only ones screaming for blood are the ones who are typically screaming for blood no matter who's face is on the front of the paper.

This case should be closed and the resources that are being wasted trying to "get" Roman Polanski should put to better use.

An undisclosed settlement doesn't excuse such a heinous crime.

How are we so sure he isn't a repeat offender? If his wealth and connections gave him the ability to dodge the law for this long, whose to say they aren't covering up for him as well.

It doesn't matter anyway, because he simply hasn't paid his dues.

The victim is saying what she needs to say to get on with her life.

One can't excuse the rape of a little 13 year-old girl because "oh, well, just this once"

 

[SNylund]

Most, but not all, Hollywood types think that they are special annoynted chosen elite and the rules do not apply to them. They think that since they make millions off acting or directing that they are special and they as "artists" should be able to be free to do anything they want, be it rape 13 year old girls or seduce their live in lover's adopted girl. If you watch the attitudes of the George Clooneys, Woody Allen's etc., they truely are arrogant and think they are the elite.

 

[MaumeeMom]

Most, but not all, Hollywood types think that they are special annoynted chosen elite and the rules do not apply to them. They think that since they make millions off acting or directing that they are special and they as "artists" should be able to be free to do anything they want, be it rape 13 year old girls or seduce their live in lover's adopted girl. If you watch the attitudes of the George Clooneys, Woody Allen's etc., they truely are arrogant and think they are the elite.

You may wish to clarify this - I don't believe that George Clooney has signed the Free Polanski petition. I know you didn't say he did but it could be read that way or misunderstood.

There is a list of those who signed here.