Disgraced director Roman Polanski is currently under investigation.
A new investigation by the LAPD is investigating allegations by artist Marianne Barnard that the director molested her during a photo shoot in 1975 – back when she was just 10 years old.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Police Department is actively investigating her claims, despite the fact that he cannot be prosecuted for the crime because the statute of limitations has expired.
“Josh Rubenstein, the LAPD communications director, said the department is committed to investigating such claims because even if charges cannot be brought, the evidence could aid in the prosecution of other cases.”
Of course, this isn’t the first allegation made against Polanski.
Over the years, at least six women have alleged sexual assault by the director, most of them claiming their abuse had occurred when they were minors. But despite remaining a fugitive and refusing to face these allegations, Polanski is still an active filmmaker. In fact, he’s still a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – a surprising fact, considering Harvey Weinstein’s expulsion earlier this year.
“The latest LAPD report involves Marianne Barnard, an artist who has accused the director of molesting her during a 1975 photo shot at Will Rogers State Beach after he had her pose naked with a fur coat. Barnard reported the allegation to police in October.”
According to the Los Angeles Times report, Barnard was emboldened by the recent allegations against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, and has since begun petition to get Roman Polanski expelled from the Academy.
All things considered, this seems like a move that’s long overdue.
Of course, Roman Polanski has denied Bernard’s allegations, with a representative stating that he has no knowledge of her. Meanwhile, Polanski remains a fugitive after fleeing the US in 1977 – before sentencing in a Los Angeles County Superior Court for having anal sex with a 13-year-old girl.
