Lewis’ Testimony and the Impact of Polanski’s Denial
British actress Charlotte Lewis has testified in a French court, accusing filmmaker Roman Polanski of sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager and subsequently attempting to discredit her allegations, an ordeal she says almost ruined her life. Now 56, Lewis recounted how the assault occurred when she was just 16, during a casting session for Polanski’s 1986 film. The defamation case stems from Polanski’s public denial of her claims, which he referred to as a “heinous lie” in an interview.
The Emotional Toll of the Legal Battle
Polanski, known for his acclaimed films such as The Pianist and Chinatown, continues to face numerous sexual assault allegations, including the infamous 1977 case involving a 13-year-old girl. While Polanski remains a fugitive from the United States, Lewis testified that his denial of her assault in 2010 led to severe emotional distress, resulting in a breakdown and forcing her son to switch schools due to media attention. Lewis also disputed an interview with the defunct News of the World that misrepresented her statements, further contributing to the damage to her reputation.
A Long Struggle for Justice
In court, Lewis described how Polanski exploited her trust, being the only male figure in her life at the time, which left her deeply scarred. She emphasized that her experience wasn’t an isolated incident, pointing to other women who have come forward with similar accusations against the filmmaker. Despite these ongoing allegations, Polanski continues to maintain his innocence and has largely stayed out of the public eye, though his films continue to garner attention on the global stage.