Backlash builds against support of Polanski
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/SHOWBIZ/10/01/polanski.support.backlash/art.polanskiportrait.gi.jpg caption="The case surrounding the arrest of director Roman Polanski has both supporters and critics."]
Lisa Respers France
CNN
While several high-profile actors and directors have rallied around Roman Polanski, not everyone in Hollywood believes he should be freed and forgiven.
In the face of a petition signed by notables such as Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese and John Landis calling for the immediate release of Polanski following his detainment in Switzerland, a backlash is building against such support.
"I can't believe that Hollywood has separated itself so completely from American morality," said Paul Petersen, a former child actor and president of A Minor Consideration, which advocates on behalf of young performers. "It is yet another case of Hollywood being out of sync with most of America."
Polanski pleaded guilty in 1977 to having unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, but fled the United States before he could be sentenced.
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Filed under: Crime & Punishment |
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Those are probably the same celebrities who rallied to vote for Obama.
The trial was tainted with conspiracy and political overtones. Why is this so difficult to forgive? Because the crime is perceived as the "crime of the decade" pedophilia? Yes, horrible, but can we at least deal with this on a case by case basis instead of pull the trigger on the headline alone?
Roman Polanski's mother died in a concentration camp and he himself was a survivor of Hitler's evil.
If Hitler had escaped punishment for 30 years, wouldn't Polanski still want Hitler brought to justice?
Evil is evil and justice needs to be done.
At least some of Hollywood has sense and can see that no matter who you are or how rich and famous you are a crime is a crime and you need to pay for it. Glad to see some of them actually have brains and use them.
Cindy..Ga.