The Screw Tightens on Roman Polanski
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
NEWS ITEM: Famed filmmaker Roman Polanski pleaded guilty, 31 years ago, to unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl. He then fled the country to avoid punishment. Today, at the age of 76, he is being detained by Swiss authorities, at the request of U.S. officials seeking his extradition.
Polanski has a roamin’ eye,
(Or is it “Roman”?) What a guy!
The lass involved was never mugged
(He claims) — but just a little drugged.
The now-forbidden drug, Quaalude,
Eased Roman’s path to actions lewd.
He fled abroad his life to live,
From U.S. law a fugitive.
Arrested now in Switzerland,
He faces stringent reprimand.
Today he voices deep lament,
Resisting delayed punishment.
There looms an ugly legal fight
As U.S. seeks to extradite.
His lawyers fume and rail and shout
He didn’t mean the law to flout.
He’s made some classic movies since:
Atonement for his erstwhile sins?
In Hollywood his friends suggest
The matter should be laid to rest.
Will Roman’s case, then, be dismissed?
Will he get slapped upon the wrist?
Perhaps his punishment should start
With quite another body part.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
