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Oh, Poor Polanski, Child Rapist

He pleaded guilty and fled. How can anyone rationalize that?

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 28, 2009 1:31 PM CDT

(Newser) – Kate Harding would like to remind everyone crowing about the injustice of arresting a 76-year-old man who’s put in 31 years of exile that Roman Polanski is a fugitive and, coincidentally, a child rapist. The director “gave a 13-year-old girl a Quaalude and champagne,” according to her testimony and his admission. He also “put his penis in her vagina as she said no and asked him to stop; asked if he could penetrate her anally, to which she replied, ‘No,’ then went ahead and did it anyway.”

So, uhh, what’s the issue? Harding asks on Salon. One blogger complains that Polanski’s victim was almost 14, the age of consent in California at the time—except no, it was 16. And “almost” doesn’t cut it—she didn’t consent. Joan Z. Shore at HuffPo notes that “Polanski was demonized by the press, convicted, and managed to flee, fearing a heavy sentence.” Well, mercy me, Harding responds. “Polanski was ‘demonized by the press’ because he raped a child, and was convicted because he (pleaded) guilty. He ‘feared heavy sentencing’ because drugging and raping a child is generally frowned upon.”

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

Roman Polanski at court in 1977. (AP Photo)

Roman Polanski is seen in Oberhausen, Germany, in 2008. (AP Photo)

Roman Polanski arrives for the opening ceremony at the 8th Marrakech Film Festival, Friday, Nov. 14, 2008 in Marrakech, Morocco. (AP Photo)

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There is evidence—albeit purely anecdotal, in this case—that only the most debased crapweasel thinks "I didn't know she was 13!" is a reasonable excuse for raping a child, much less continuing to rape her after she's said no repeatedly. - Kate Harding

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 20 comments

Spudsy

Sep 29, 2009 7:43 AM CDT

It's Hollywood. If he comes back they will slap his hand.

Snarfeh

Sep 29, 2009 2:16 AM CDT

@thinker - I can't imagine why anyone would defend child prostitution/rape in any situation. The crime is the same although the circumstances are different and I guess I don't get why you might think anyone would be ok with Blackwater doing it if he or she is not ok with Polanski doing it. Maybe I am missing something in your query?

reasonator

Sep 29, 2009 2:11 AM CDT

I am offended and outraged by Polanski and the defense of him, and yes (if I take the bait on your red herring) I think any sanctioned child prostitution/rape should be prosecuted immediately.

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Crime & Courts • Entertainment

California • fugitive • guilty plea • extradition • film director • Roman Polanski • movies • Huffington Post • child rape • Samantha Geimer • criminal prosecution

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Oh, Poor Polanski, Child Rapist