Roman Polanski's already-embattled fortunes just took a turn for the worse. Today in Los Angeles, actress Charlotte Lewis (who starred in Polanski's Pirates) accused the director of sexually abusing her when she was 16. Was it illegal? Not necessarily, as the age of consent in Paris is 15. Is it an added headache for Polanski? Most definitely.
Radar was on the scene at the press conference, where Lewis was represented by high-profile lawyer Gloria Allred:
Allred says "If Charlotte's allegations are accepted as true; then Mr. Polanski was able to victimize another child while he was a fugitive from justice."
The legal age of consent in Paris is 15.
Allred says she has taken the case to the Los Angeles Police Department and the LA District Attorney's Office. While Lewis would not give specifics, she said "In addition to the fact that both myself and his previous victim were underage, I believe that there are other similarities in the crime that he committed."
She continued, "Mr. Polanski knew that I was only 16 years old when he met me and forced himself upon me in his apartment in Paris. He took advantage of me and I have lived with the effects of his behavior ever since it occurred. All I want is justice."
Developing...
British Actress On Roman Polanski: I Was Sexually Abused [Radar Online]