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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009

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NYC Man Jumps to His
Death—In Front of Kids

Friends say 53-year-old showed no signs he was suicidal

Nov 26, 09 8:33 AM CST
Shaq Foots
Bill for
Shaniya's
Funeral

NBA great was touched by news coverage of terrible crime

Nov 26, 09 10:20 AM CST
NYC Cops Find Dead Baby
of Hooker Slave

Tiny body encased in cement in a cooler

Nov 26, 09 5:30 AM CST
NEXT STOP, REALITY TV (MAYBE)

Va. Socialites Crashed
Obama's State Dinner

And, yes, Tareq and Michaele Salahi want reality-TV turn

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Iran Takes
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It's never happened before, say outraged officials in Norway

Nov 26, 09 1:06 PM CST
Sex Abuse by
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'Hidden for
Decades'

Senior clerics implicated in child abuse cover-up

Nov 26, 09 10:04 AM CST
FACEBOOK DOESN'T LIE, RIGHT?

Party-Crashers Got Close
to Obamas Before

Photos show them in inaugural box; Secret Service admits mistake

Nov 26, 09 7:28 PM CST
LA Mayor Calls for
Limits on Pot Spots

Villaraigosa says 900 marijuana dispensaries is way too many

Nov 26, 09 5:58 AM CST
UK Man Busted in Teen Jockeys' Arson Deaths

Man held in tragedy that shocked the racing world

Nov 26, 09 8:17 AM CST
Politician Busted for Philippine Massacre

Powerful family blamed for murder of 57

Nov 26, 09 3:59 AM CST
OJ TRIAL FALLOUT

Judge Who?
No Placard
for Ito After
Many Thefts

He even tried gluing it on, to no avail

Nov 25, 09 1:21 PM CST
Polanski to Be Moved to
House Arrest

Director will trade
jail cell for
Swiss chalet

Nov 26, 09 6:32 AM CST
Man Bites Teen Girl After New Moon Screening

She said he was acting creepy from the get-go, bit her on way out

Nov 25, 09 10:16 AM CST

|NEXT STORY »

Whoopi Calls Polanski Case 'Not Rape-Rape,' Triggers Uproar

Hollywood supporters facing off against angry feminists over sex with teen

By Mary Papenfuss| Posted Sep 30, 09 4:15 AM CDT|

(Newser) – Whoopi Goldberg's comment that Roman Polanski's sex with a 13-year-old girl wasn't really "rape-rape" has added fuel to the growing conflagration between the film director's Hollywood supporters and angry feminists. "I know it wasn't rape-rape. I think it was something else, but I don't believe it was rape-rape," Goldberg said on The View. Goldberg also implies that such sex wouldn't have been such a big deal in broad-minded Europe.

"The rest of the world thinks raping kids is a-okay, whoops, our bad, we're just too uptight about drugging people and forcing sex on them," snarks a blogger on Feministe. Meanwhile, it now appears Polanski will likely sit in a Swiss jail for weeks while his court battle unfolds. There had been speculation he would be placed under house arrest at his Swiss chateau, but an official said there has "never been a house arrest in such a situation."

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

Herve Temime, Roman Polanski's lawyer. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

The Swiss chalet of filmmaker Roman Polanski. (AP Photo/Keystone, Dominic Favre)

Film director Roman Polanski will likely sit in a Swiss jail for weeks as he battles for bail and against extradition to the US. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

Actress Whoopi Goldberg's comment that the Polanki case isn't "rape-rape" has triggered an angry backlash. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan)

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Whoopi determines Roman Polanski's crime wasn't "rape rape." (SexOffenderIssues002)

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47 comments

VIEWING:

drlarrymitchell
Sep 30, 09 4:47 AM CDT

It was unfortunate and stupid for Whoopie to have phrased her sentiment in those words. Reply

+10

IN RESPONSE:

bewilderbeast
Sep 30, 09 4:59 AM CDT

Except there should be stronger words than "unfortunate" and "stupid". I have little doubt Whoopi would have condemned the rape of a thirteen yr old girl in strong language - ordinarily. But "Hey! He's one of us, maybe it's different then" is a far too prevalent outlook. The rich and famous think they're exempt from ordinary people's laws.

+19

IN RESPONSE:

bewilderbeast
Sep 30, 09 5:00 AM CDT

Actually: They know they are.

IN RESPONSE:

bewilderbeast
Sep 30, 09 6:52 AM CDT

Actually, that should probably be "KNOW they're exempt . . ."

IN RESPONSE:

prowlerzee
Sep 30, 09 9:31 AM CDT

Well put, bewilderbeast.

IN RESPONSE:

youngblood
Sep 30, 09 12:48 PM CDT

Whoppi I just lost all respect for you, you're trying to tell me this shit I just heard u say on youtube about child rapist Polanski?!! You're freaking biased, that's where your loyalty lies, not in truth but in friendship. if it was your 13 year old daughter who was drugged with qualudes and booze and then rapped what would u say then girl?!! I'll tell u what u would do, you would have ripped that rapist a new asshole but because this child rapist is a film director you're giving him a pass on his rapping a 13 year old girl, shame on you Whoppi!! You just have lost a fan in me, that's for sure, I don't side with anyone that is siding with a child rapist!

IN RESPONSE:

Monjubikahn
Sep 30, 09 11:31 PM CDT

Listen up. She failed to say that Rape is an act of violence. Rape Rape is attack, degrade and overwhelm with the victim being fully capable of fighting back. That is rape rape. The use of drugs like Jeff Dommer is far more sinnister.

IN RESPONSE:

I_hate_to_say
Oct 1, 09 3:25 AM CDT

It is unfortunate that the country will be consumed with discussions about this kind of garbage for months, when we should be paying attention to the proposed "surge" in Afghanistan, and the healthcare holocaust in our nation. Thank you lying prosecutors and dishonest judges, and thank you stupid, hypocritical Swiss officials.

| 0 minutes ago

kev56
Sep 30, 09 6:23 AM CDT

Goldberg implying "that such sex wouldn't have been such a big deal in broad-minded Europe. " is absolute rubbish. Here in the UK he would have got a long prison sentence for his disgusting crime. Reply

+11

| 0 minutes ago

EileenRocks
Sep 30, 09 6:31 AM CDT

As I saw somewhere else, she's got a granddaughter about that age... maybe she should try an experiment to see if she thinks it's "rape rape" when it happens to her kin? Reply

+16

IN RESPONSE:

prowlerzee
Sep 30, 09 9:32 AM CDT

Someone should ask her.

| 0 minutes ago

kev56
Sep 30, 09 6:38 AM CDT

I'd be very interested to know what her definition of rape is if giving a 13 year old girl drugs and drink then forcing himself on her after she repeatedly says no isn't "rape rape" Reply

+12

IN RESPONSE:

riffran
Sep 30, 09 10:09 PM CDT

"isn't dead dead, just dead"...excellent wit there stopthe presses...I like it

| 0 minutes ago

Doctor_Zaius
Sep 30, 09 6:41 AM CDT

This tool is a talented director, he's also a child rapist and should be punished accordingly. Hollywood has it's head up it's ass on this one. Reply

+18

| 0 minutes ago

divetrader
Sep 30, 09 6:56 AM CDT

Whoopi, what are you thinking? He admitted to statutory rape. So I think it probably is rape-rape. Larry Craig confessed to trying to pick up a cop in the bathroom. Once you admit it, it is almost impossible to take it back. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

JonmarkP
Sep 30, 09 5:05 PM CDT

I say this as someone who despises Larry Craig, his politics and his hypocrisy - but he was the victim of sting operation that might have resulted in consenting sex between two adults. Not at all similar to an adult man drugging and raping a 13-year old. Bring him to trial and sentence him like any other pedophile-for his sake, for society's sake, and especially for Hollywood's sake.

| 0 minutes ago

Rob
Sep 30, 09 6:57 AM CDT

These are the rules of this land where we live, whoopie. It doesn't matter what other people think is ok. The laws were broken here. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Thinker
Sep 30, 09 7:16 AM CDT

If you possess weed in your own home for your own use, you are a druggie felon, and sex between consenting teens under 18 in most states is rape. A "rule of the land" doesn't have to be sane or even just, it just has to have the power to make someone a criminal for the states' purposes.

-5

IN RESPONSE:

prowlerzee
Sep 30, 09 9:35 AM CDT

Thinker, what you say is correct. We need a common sense clause to apply to the "rules" when it involves, for instance, two consenting underage teens. However, we should throw the book, and hard, at men who power-trip and coerce pubescents under the influence of drugs.

| 0 minutes ago

Timinator2K
Sep 30, 09 7:45 AM CDT

For warped Whoopie to rise from a welfare mom to the oxygen-deprived lofty heights of the Faux Elite, she sure has gained a totally ignorant way of looking at things, like child rape. Maybe in her experience, child rape was never much of a big deal and was accepted as a common, if not expected practice in her neighborhood....although, I'd bet the farm against that. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Janniel
Sep 30, 09 8:53 AM CDT

Whoopi must not have thought this through. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Jassy
Sep 30, 09 9:14 AM CDT

When exactly is rape, rape? He should be labeled a sex offender for the rest of his life, just like any non-rich, non-famous person would be. No wonder Americans get confused and angry. We are all supposed to be equal under the law, except for those who because they have money and power are above it. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

popolowahine
Sep 30, 09 9:14 AM CDT

this article is misleading. when you watch the clip the 'rape rape' comment was about the actual charges, not the public perception of what he did. whoopi was attempting to redirect the conversation to talk about the CHARGES. he was not convicted of rape. he was convicted of sex with a minor. the conversation was getting heated and passionate about the rape allegations. speaking on tv as public figures, they are careful about what they say and what the facts are. barbara probably lives in constant worry of slander and libel suits. when she says 'i know it wasnt rape rape', she was saying 'i know the charge wasnt rape rape.' Reply

IN RESPONSE:

prowlerzee
Sep 30, 09 9:40 AM CDT

You're probably right, popolowahine. But if this is their professional gig...after all, they're not jabbering around a private table at home...they ought to be skilled enough to clearly state, "the charge wasn't rape."

| 0 minutes ago

myvoice
Sep 30, 09 9:15 AM CDT

Hmmm... The View condemned Mell Gibson for his anti-Semitic drunkenness but feel sorry for this pedophile? WTF is wrong with these people? sex with a 13 year old child is effiing wrong no matter what you call it!!! These actors make me sick by supporting this perv! He should be locked away forever and I hope he get a taste of his own medicine in prison where effing belongs! Reply

IN RESPONSE:

I_hate_to_say
Oct 1, 09 3:19 AM CDT

And you are not a racist / racist just because the only stories that really interest you on newser (I mean the ones you come back to again and again) are those which allow you to vilify and demean non-whites (especially African Americans) in the most disgusting, hateful terms imaginable.

| 0 minutes ago

RockyPneumonia
Sep 30, 09 10:38 AM CDT

I'm wondering how many of the people who are (rightfully) condemning Polanski joined in the national orgy of grief and wailing when Michael Jackson died. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

myvoice
Sep 30, 09 11:07 AM CDT

good point but the fact is Polanski pleaded guilty and fled. Where as MJ was not convicted. Im not saying MJ did not do it but the two cant be compared under the law. Butt i do feel MJ was sick and an it that regard he is the same as Polanski,Woody Allen, etc...

| 0 minutes ago

Mia
Sep 30, 09 11:27 AM CDT

If it was her daughter, her thoughts would be different. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

S.holler
Sep 30, 09 1:00 PM CDT

one of the stupidest comments on the year.....there no "okay" side of rape. its as stupid as saying oh its not a big deal it was just "quarter rape." Roman P is a pedophile and deserves to be ridiculed by the moral world. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

exley
Sep 30, 09 1:43 PM CDT

You are all suprised by this? Whoopie, as with the bulk of Hollywierd, is a paid entertainer, a clown as it were. This is a clowny statement of hers is totally in keeping with her clown personality. She has no integrety so what do you expect... Apparently she has no qualms about throwing a class of victims (childhood rape victims at the hands of an older powerful perp) under the bus because in this one case she has a selfish attachment to the guilty party. Fine if you feel that way Whoopie, but keep it to yourself please...we pay you to entertain us not to suffer us with your inane positions that have little to do with reality. Same goes for all the other fools that signed on to that pathetic petition...Woody Allen of all people?? You can't make this stuff up... Ms. Goldberg, you are a living breathing example of exactly what is wrong with this country. Selfish Hypocrite. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Fatquah
Sep 30, 09 2:43 PM CDT

Time to fire Whoopi. Supporting a rapist is repulsive. Clearly she's too ignorant to speak on the matter. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Oct 1, 09 9:50 PM CDT

But not as ignorant as you. For all we know, Whoopi is a rape victim herself.

| 0 minutes ago

no.dummy
Sep 30, 09 3:03 PM CDT

I'm a Black male- the ridiculous, ghetto fairy-tales posted here by some of the commenters--that Whoopi doesn't think it's 'rape rape' because of the supposed rote horrors of 'ghetto life' -- are beneath you and surely you're not that stupid, so stop perpetuating it. Honestly... I am dismayed by Whoopi's comments. I don't care if she was trying to be diplomatic or what her reasoning was, she comes across as not knowing what she's talking about. Whoopi has said herself, in prior interviews, that she was an absentee mother during her career trajectory when he daughter was growing up. Maybe that speaks to the disconnect she apparently has. I don't think she speaks for most women or 'Black' people on this one. I work in Hollywood and trust me, the Hollywood Kool-Aid isn't that strong. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

ConservativeTM
Sep 30, 09 3:36 PM CDT

Only in a liberal's twisted, sick mind could the drugging, rape and sodomizing of a 13 year-old girl not really be "rape-rape." Read more at: http://conservativetm.blogspot.com/2009/09/31-depraved.html Reply

-2

IN RESPONSE:

passinthru
Oct 1, 09 3:16 AM CDT

And only in a conservatives mind would they try and flip this into some kind of stupid red/blue thing....Please dont use this topic to plug your rediculous blogspot.

| 0 minutes ago

Mia
Sep 30, 09 4:49 PM CDT

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2009/0928091polanskiplea1.html Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Reader9713228
Sep 30, 09 9:50 PM CDT

That must be why he shines his smug grin (Polanski). He's just guilty of a lesser "pretend rape" right? Or is he just giddy since he has escaped justice since the 70's? Take the key and lock him up! Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Monjubikahn
Sep 30, 09 11:41 PM CDT

I do not believe that this banter is as important as the genocide that is happwening in the abotion clinics here in America. We major in the minor and minor in the major. I would like to se a cost analysis of prosecuting Polansky. Bail us out. I thought that California was in the red. Reply

-1

| 0 minutes ago

Monjubikahn
Sep 30, 09 11:59 PM CDT

Polanski?? Who is footing the bill for this? France? Poland? Revoke his American citizenship. The Swiss are not paying for this. California is fiscally under water. The boat is sinking and we are siting Polanski iceburgs. Justice is not being served here. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

lindamae
Oct 1, 09 2:21 AM CDT

A man who has sex with a child is called a pedophile. The act is called statutory rape. It is illegal by law. It is immoral by our conscience. What more needs to be said? The man raped a 13 year old girl anally, vaginally, and orally - according to the text of the hearing which was held then. How can any moral parent, teacher, other adult justify supporting this pervert? Has our society become that jaded? Goldberg stated that sex with a child is not a crime in some societies. Where in the world does she mean? The brothels of Thailand? Reply

| 0 minutes ago

left.right.left
Oct 1, 09 3:50 AM CDT

i never knew whoppi was such a frak freak.a 13 year old cant consent ,never mind after being drugged.what the....? Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Krystle
Oct 1, 09 5:11 AM CDT

It was rape-rape, Whoopi. Take off your stupid effing sunglasses and maybe you'll see the facts. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

stuck-in-paris
Oct 1, 09 6:04 AM CDT

what was she thinking? she has a daughter; would it be OK if that was her child? Reply

| 0 minutes ago

pwnage
Oct 1, 09 10:07 AM CDT

I guess the girl would have to be of age for it to be rape-rape? She's full of poo-poo. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

RealDeal101
Oct 1, 09 3:20 PM CDT

Roman Polanski - Petition asking for "No Preferential Treatment of Polanski" by Teenage Rape Survivor http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/nomeansnomeansnomenasno Reply

| 0 minutes ago

lizouttavegas
Oct 2, 09 5:33 PM CDT

I didnt care for Whoopi as a talk show host, but did not know why..Now I do..what a stupid stupid ignorant thing to say to a national morning audience full of mothers, grandmothers, & women who were raped. I guess I was correct..She's just not that smart.. she's certainly not funny, or politically informed, so what is it? Barbara's love child? or is Barbara getting "old"? This comment from the "narrator" or The View? really? swell..count me out..never will even stop when Im flipping by that crap, & their head dummy. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

View all 47 comments »

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Whoopi Calls Polanski Case 'Not Rape-Rape,' Triggers Uproar

Hollywood supporters facing off against angry feminists over sex with teen

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

Polanski Victim
Wants Case
Dropped

Samantha Geimer asks court, media to leave her alone

MORE ABOUT:
California • Switzerland • rape • fugitive • Hawaii • film director • Roman Polanski • sexual assault • child rape • Samantha Geimer • statutory rape

Swiss Tipped
US to Polanski Trip

Move gave LA prosecutors time to whip up arrest warrant

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crime • Switzerland • Los Angeles • extradition • Roman Polanski • child rape • arrest warrant

The Last Word in
Roman Polanski
Commentary

Calvin Trillin: 'He only raped one little girl'

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Whoopi Calls Polanski Case 'Not Rape-Rape,' Triggers Uproar

Hollywood supporters facing off against angry feminists over sex with teen

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Related Newser Stories

Polanski Victim Wants Case Dropped

Samantha Geimer asks court, media to leave her alone

MORE ABOUT: California • Switzerland • rape • fugitive • Hawaii • film director • Roman Polanski • sexual assault • child rape • Samantha Geimer • statutory rape

Swiss Tipped US to Polanski Trip

Move gave LA prosecutors time to whip up arrest warrant

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poetic justice

The Last Word in Roman Polanski Commentary

Calvin Trillin: 'He only raped one little girl'

MORE ABOUT: crime • rape • fugitive • poetry • film director • Roman Polanski • Calvin Trillin • statutory rape

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Polanski Victim
Wants Case
Dropped

MORE ABOUT:
California • Switzerland • rape • fugitive • Hawaii • film director • Roman Polanski • sexual assault • child rape • Samantha Geimer • statutory rape

Swiss Tipped
US to Polanski Trip

MORE ABOUT:
crime • Switzerland • Los Angeles • extradition • Roman Polanski • child rape • arrest warrant

The Last Word in
Roman Polanski
Commentary

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crime • rape • fugitive • poetry • film director • Roman Polanski • Calvin Trillin • statutory rape