A judge in Los Angeles rejected a request to dismiss the 40-year-old rape case against director Roman Polanski despite a plea from the woman who says he raped her, Variety reported Saturday.
California Judge Scott Gordon said Polanski needed to return to the U.S. and submit to the court’s authority before any deal could be worked out.
“The defendant in this matter stands as a fugitive and refuses to comply with court orders,” Gordon wrote. “As eloquently described by Ms. Geimer, his conduct continues to harm her and compounds the trauma of the sexual assault committed against her that gave rise to this case.”
Samantha Geimer was 13 when Polanski raped her in 1977. He served 42 days behind bars after she accused him of giving her drugs and alcohol, and fled to Paris before his formal sentencing. Polanski's lawyer has argued for his client to be sentenced in absentia to time served.
In June, Geimer offered public support of Polanski’s bid to settle the case “as an act of mercy to myself and my family,” and said the media attention surrounding her part in the case had taken a hefty toll.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.