CNN

Jack, it simply reinforces the view that most Hollywood types, the actors, producers, directors, etc. live dysfunctional lives and that their lifestyle reflects something Dostoevsky said along the lines that where there is no God, all is permitted. These people are simply out of touch as the reality of the facts doesn't seem to register with their sense of rational thought.

Hollywood simply shows the world how immoral they really are. Sad.

This is real life – not the movies. The actors and screenwriters in Hollywood do not get to write how it should play out. Those who think Polanski does not owe a debt to society need a big dose of reality so that they can understand "all the world is not a stage". This time the villain does not become the hero and the guilty does not go free. The message they are sending is that they live in a fantasy world but they need to wake up now the show'sover.

Jack:
He should be punished. No one is above law. It does not matter he has takes good movies or he converted to Christianity.

Manoj Kumar, Atlanta

Jack, if it had been my daughter, well...let's just say I'd have had my justice by now and leave it at that.. As,for Ms. Winger, she should go to a bar, have some one slip her a ruffi...and wake up to find that she'd raped and sodomized by a famous actor/producer....hmmmmm....Debby, I 'd bet forgiveness would be decades away for you....so give your head a shake and come to the world the rest of us live in....

This is terribly disturbing. For anybody to minimize rape as being "not 'rape-rape'" is absurd. When a woman, a girl, a man, a boy, says "no," it's rape. Furthermore, our laws dictate that even when a girl or a boy don't say "no," to an adult, it's still rape. There's a reason for this. Adults are in a position to manipulate kids. They have things like cars and money and experience. That said, the media needs to be careful not to paint 'Hollywood' as being one monolithic thing. Many working in Hollywood are not defending Polanski. Also, many rapists have their defenders - often times family, friends, frat brothers - these folks just don't have a national platform.

The only message out of Hollywood that matters is the one being sent by the victim herself – drop the case. If she doesn't want to dredge it up why should anyone else? Isn't her opinion the only one that counts?

It proves you can fool some of the people some of the time.

Right Jack.............
That is just what we need.Send a fee ride messge to all pedophiles
and if you are rich and famous you have seperate rules.
The guy needs to get jail time................PERIOD!!!!!!!
David

This just shows you how strange people in Hollywood are. If they don't think that is rape I wonder what crimes they commit and don't believe their actions are criminal.

Amazing, and incredibly out of touch with reality is all I can say in polite company. We all know that if it had been the 13-year-old daughter of a Hollywood sweetheart, there would have been a world-wide man hunt for the quilty party. The guilty would have been executed, and a made-for-TV movie would have been aired in less than a year – and that's a wrap.

It seems clear that many Hollywood celebrities put themselves above the law whenever it runs afoul of their messy sex lives. Sort of a "what goes on in Hollywood, stays in Hollywood" attitude. However, since Roman Polanski has already been tried and convicted, it is up to the California courts to decide what to do with him - his fate is not up for vote.

This is a joke right? When a 43 year old man forcibly rapes a thirteen year old- they should LOCK his buttox up and throw away the key!!! As for Whoopi G- what was she thinking when she repeated that on air? This is the United States and we ALL should follow civilized rules. It's not Saudi Arabia where kings have sex with thirteen year olds!

Pastor Dennis
Chicago area

It says that they believe celebrities should be above the law, plain and simple.

The girl that was sexually assaulted said, from her own mouth, "Drop it." If the victim doesn't care anymore, why should anyone else?

I don't care how a great a director he is. He violated a 13 year old girl in the worst possible way and he needs to be punished for it. If it were your average American Joe, he would be in jail and it's no different just because he is famous. Shame on these people in Hollywood for defending this man. I bet if it were on of their daughters it would be a whole different story.

I hope those against his return don’t, or plan to, have kids. If it were my 13-year-old daughter this creep drugged and raped, I’d want him brought to justice no matter how long ago. Then I’d look for an opportunity to kill him with my bare hands.

I think it's absurd what these folks in Holly Wood think reality is.

The man PLED GUILTY. There are no shades of gray here, he drugged and raped that little girl, he should go to prison, or at least be on probation for quite some time.

Cafferty, this is unbelievable. Hollywood has gone insane! If it were a normal, middle class person, everybody would be screaming to get him extradited but since it's Polansky, he should be excused. Unbelievable.

As always the message is that people of privilege and wealth believe they, and their cronies, are above the law. They simply think they can break any law or perpetrate any abuse and get away with it. That is just bunk. Perhaps it is time to take all these people and put them in jail as well.

Jack, do me a favor. Please publish the list of all people who signed the petition. I will make sure I never spend a dime going to see one of their movies!

Let's not pretend for a second that justice in the US is the same for rich and poor people. It would be insulting our intelligence.

Since child molesters in the US are roughly equivalent to Jews in 1930's Germany, it is interesting to watch the liberals squirm with this one.

I'd rather we put as much into finding and bringing Osama bin Laden to justice as we are tryying to prosecute Roman Polanski. I usually see your point, Jack, but this is a 32-year-old case. Nobody was hurt, and the so-called victim doesn't even want it pursued. Give me, and Polanski, a break.

He is lucky it wasn't my 13 yr old he raped..i would have handled him myself!!@!!!

Polanski drugged and raped a 13 year old girl. End of story.

Add this to the list of reason's not to listen to what Hollywood has to say.

Roman Polanski should go to jail. He's already going to hell.

It means that they have forgotten they have children, too. Would they want their children alone in a room with Polanski and some dope?

It tells me that the Hollywood people live in a fantasy world and are out of touch with reality. Further, it tells me that Hollywood egos are so enormous they think that they and their kind are above the law.

Jack, I have just few words; this reveals how people tend to bend the rules and play down some core values of life when it has to do with them or someone they know; this is unfortunate.

Yes he sould go to jail just for what he did. Its called rape of a minor.

This is crazy! I can't believe that all of Hollywood would support this pig. He is a coward that never owned up to what he did. I'm boycotting Weinstein and his movies.

Sam
Massachusets

I say throw the Book at him, and I am from California, we are not all like Hollywood out here. There are descent people in my state that want Justice done for this henious crime.

They are not saying he shouldn't be punished for the crime he comitted. They are critisizing the way the US and the Swiss authorities handle this case after more than 30 years of non-action. There are better ways to apprehend someone other than at your own honorific film festival where your lifelong career has a film director is being recognized by your peers. Polanski pled guilty to the crime and should be punished. Why he did the crime we'll never know. We'll probably never know what he went through as a Holocaust survivor as well. All this media frenzy has done is bring back sad memories to the families involved.

Hollywood is obviously a town full of morons! I can't believe that anyone would be supporting a drugging child rapist who fled from justice, what the hell is going on with these people?

Hollywood is totally out of touch, these people probably on drug which is not surprise me at all.
Remember: Polanski is a fugitive! He must face justice.

Whoppi, restated her response this morning. The woman that was raped, does not want to have to deal with this again. I think what he did was terrible, but why bring this back and have this woman have to go through this again. He was wrong, but the danger is what it will do to the victim.

"Woody Allen, Pedro Almodovar and Martin Scorsese have "demanded " of fellow filmmaker Roman Polanski, who was arrested in Switzerland on a U.S. arrest warrant related to a 1977 child sex charge." "Demanded the immediate release" indeed! You would have thought Woody Allen would have enough sense to keep his mouth shut when it came to issues regarding vulnerable young girls and older men in positions of authority. Apparently "irony" is note part of Allen's directorial pallette.

FINALLY!!!!! Thank you Jack! Someone finally asked the most appropriate question: WHAT IF IT WERE YOUR DAUGHTER??? Debra Winger & Whoopie would NOT have the same comment if it had been THEIR DAUGHTER assaulted by their good friend Polanski!

You have no idea how glad I was to hear your view point on this. I think its absurd that anyone should be willing to argue on his behalf. Any common person would have been in prison years ago and certainly wouldn't stand a fighting chance now. BUT, thats not the issue. The issue is simply that he broke law, fled justice, and deservs to do time. Honestly, I've lost alot of respect for those celebrities that are actually supporting him.

Jack, you asked how I would feel as a parent, I would have known where my thirteen year old daughter was. I would also not have let her out of the house in makeup and looking older than she was. At thirteen, where were her parents to begin with?????

I am a hollywood type and I couldn't agree with you more. If Polanski was some "thug" from the inner city who did exactly what Polanski pled guilty to where would the outrage be if we caught up with him in some third world country and let the justice system finish its job. Being a talented director, actor, athlete or politician doesn't give you a pass on complying with the law and the system that applies it..

alan, "hollywood insider"

Jack, I am with you this one. Supporters of Polanski are supporters of rape, period. Regardless how long ago the crime took place; regardless of his contribution to cinema; Polanski pleaded guilty to vaginal and anal rape of a 13-year-old girl whom he drugged prior to raping her.

Perhaps the likes of Scorsese and Weinstein ought to spend a week in the general population of St Quentin Prison... they would have a clearer understanding of what it is that Polanski did to that 13-year-old girl.

When people in a free society either don't punish criminals or make frivolous claims it dilutes the justice system. Polanski plead guilty punish him! You are so right: what if it were their daughter...

A thirteen year old girl is not 'of age' to give consent. She stated that she told him no numerous times. Polanski is a pedaphile. Those are the facts and just because he is a good director does not keep him from being culpable.

I think running away was an act of guilt and cowardice and now he finally gets caught (through legal methods) and he thinks it's unfair? I think he is right where he belongs and although he has made some great films, I have no respect for him.

Burbank, CA

Woody Allen married his daughter. I expect no better from him.

And with morals and values like that...we wonder why this country has gone to hell???...

Jack the only message I can think of is that they live in similar glass houses and are scared of the consequence of casting stones. You're right, the man and all his likes belong in jail

It tells me Hollywood is a toilet that someone forgot to flush.

It sends the message that if you have enough money and hire enough actors, they will come to your defense regardless of your crime. Sex crimes against children are the most repugnant of all felonious offenses. To steal the innocence of a young girl and then run away like a coward -all the while still earning millions – means Polanski is nothing more than a disgusting and violent pedophile who should thank his lucky stars that he's got support. We'll see how many famous visitors he'll receive in the big house...

I agree with Jack. I don't understand Hollywood or Europe lack of comprehension on this issue. He might be a great guy but he committed a crime and fled from punishment. Letting that go, even for minor issues is not a good precedent.

The sad fact is that the whole issue could've been put to rest many years ago but Polanski has chosen to make it drag out this long.

Jack,

When these individuals stand up and defend him they are condoning rape! There's no other way to look at it. As a member of 1 in 4, a national organization dedicated to educating men on how to help a sexual assault survivor, and as a survivor of sexual assault, I am outraged. They need to open their eyes! He pleaded guilty and needs to pay the price. Like you said, what if it were their daughter, their wife, their sister. 30 years makes no difference in this case.

Cody from Redlands, CA

I think Michael Moore and the Hollywood establishment should make a documentary about how people who pray on children are a repressed and misunderstood minority.
This arrest is an affront to the dignity of child molesters everywhere.

Hollywood has always been Sodom and Gomorah.The problem is they fancy themselves prophets and wisemen,when in reality they are merely court jesters to entertain at the whims of those that care to be amused.

I think it shows how depraved and sad our society has become. When we live in a day where a man just because he is rich and famous can commit such an act as Polanski did, and then have the "Hollywood Elite" stand up and defend him like he is innocent of the charge, there is something wrong with our values. When cemetery owners can do horrible things like dig up a loved one and then resell the plot like they did in Illinois, there is something wrong with our values. When children enter into our institutions of learning and pull out a gun and start shooting everyone in sight just because they are angry, there is something wrong. When we as a country can about babies left and right and no more think about it than buying birth control, something is wrong.

The reaction from Hollywood is ridiculous. I think he should be punished for unlawful sexual intercourse + fleeing the country. I do not know what exact restrictions he had before fleeing but he I think he made a mockery of US judicial system and punished for that as well.

Jack,

It shows just how warped the Hollywood types are. They are so into make believe they don't reliaze the rape is rape anymore. Sex, violence and drugs are the acceptable norm these days.

Maybe if Roman Polanski had raped their 13 year daughter then it would be a different story. What makes him any different than any other rapist in the world. We should all boycott any movies, television shows, commericials (or the products they endorse) that these so called Hollywood Elite star in, direct, produce or endorse. In Hollywood money talks better than morals

Fry this dirtbag. Figures the Hollywood peeps think it's okay to flee the country in order to avoid sentencing for raping a child. Nice....

Those who say he shouldn't be jailed are as SICK as he is!!
ALL of their movies, TV shows and entertainment should be boycotted!!!

Jack, there may be many in Hollywood who agree with you, but who haven't spoken against Polanski out of professional courtesy. I therefore wouldn't assume everyone is of the same mind and lump all of Hollywood together.

I don't see how someone being a talented artist should remove them from any crimes they have committed.

Hitler was a painter, should he get absolved from blame for the Holocaust? Would any of these "Hollywood Types" be in favor of letting any current child rapists out of prison if they could direct a good movie or two?

This is just another example of the 'upper class' thinking there should be different rules for them and for the rest of the people.

Look all listed Hollywood names, they are either did the same thing themself, or they are drug heads.
Hollywood folks are not for real peoples. Remember, they are acting other peoples.

I think the Hollywood people who are suggesting that Polanski's crime should be forgotten just reinforce my impression that Hollywood is completely out of touch with reality. If the people of this country paid less attention to this collection of prima donas, we would all be better off, but we are such idiots that most of us don't even know who our representation is in the government, but we know the latest on Brangelina and others. Get a life, USA!! These people are NOT important in the overall scheme of things. They are JUST entertainers, nothing else. Their opinion is just that, an opinion – we all have one, and they are no more qualified than any of the rest of us to render one.

It sends the message that if you manage to allude being captured for a number of years and you are liked by certain individuals, you should be able to get away with anything. The message is wrong. The message should be, violating a 13 year old is wrong and you will pay whenever we catch you. My question on this topic is, why was this 13 year old alone with him?

It is the same message we keep hearing...Money talks! Would OJ have been convicted if he was a plumber? Did Obama bail out any failing small businesses? Now Polanski will get away with rape. The rich get away with whatever they want. That will never change!

Once again Jack, Hollywood is living in there LaLa Land. Yes he admitted of being guilty. Its long over due we need to book him and close the slammer door on him.

Jody
(NC)

Jack,
I'm considered a liberal, but it's issues like this that just feed the other side. Had it been my daughter, I would have hunted him down like the swine he is, and there would have been no extradition to worry about!

What part of "we are better than normal people" don't you get.
These people clearly do not believe that normal laws/morals apply to them.

I may be a 50 something women, but I still remember being 13 and being with an adult who was trying to seduce me. I look back now and think about what it would be like if THAT aging creep had been my first time.

Why be upset if this was your daughter? I'm upset for anyone, man or women, drugged and then pressured into having sex. We have just enough morals in the US to enact laws like statutory rape to help a child put in this position. But it is wrong at any age and I just hope the Hollywood type's haven't traded sex for work so many times that they have forgotten how special sex can be not only the first time, but when you are loving someone for the sake of love.

Charles Manson should have only had to serve a month and a half and then live free because he didn't commit "murder-murder". Whoopi remember about how you built your reputation on the sympathy you garnered from telling stories of rape and abuse that you say happened, but remained vague on the details? Funny how outrage turns to sympathy when the person in question didn't do it to you.

As the father of 2 little girls I believe there should be no statute of limitations on child molestation. Polanski needs to live up to his admitted guilt and serve his time in prison.

No matter how you look at it, rape is rape. Justice needs to be served.

Hi Jack, I wonder what all those Hollywood loons would be saying if it was George Bush or any other Republican instead of Roman P.?

Jack,
You've summed it up well. I have a 15 year old daughter. The case is simple. Polanski used his Hollywood power to get a 13 year old girl in his home. He then gives her drugs and alcohol and rapes her. All he needs to do is serve time for the crime. I don't care if it happened in 1957. The guy deserves jail time.
Regards,
Jim Morris
Westfield, NJ

I would reckon it means those who complain would be happy to move a paroled child sex offender in with them and their daughters. And if the French and Swiss think Polanski's arrest is so unfair, I would support truncating the sentence of any convicted sex offender on the condition they accept exile to either country permanently.

I have never responded to your questions.........usually I am in disagreement with you. However today you and I are on the same page. Personally I could care less with what Hollywood types say much less think, but now THEY think that this is no linger a crime makes me SICK!!!
Another example of the bubble that they live in.

Let me get this straight. We drag the Catholic church and priets to court on 30 year old issues of rape and sodomy and we consider it just. We do the same thing in Hollywood and it is unacceptable? I would say the left coast's moral compass is a tad off.

Prosecutors should talk to the victim and reach a mutually acceptable decision with her

I can see a little of both sides to this issue. While I agree that Polanski should be held liable for what he did, the victim's statements should also be taken into account.

Derrick, Cincinnati, Ohio

I'm waiting for Saturday Night Live do a To Catch a Predator parody of this with an actor playing Chris Hansen.

Oh, and Polanski should go to jail and complete his sentence in my opinion.

wanna know what i think about Polansky? I think he should rot in that cell!!!

If he were a priest, there would be no question on weather it was "old case dead except for...".

For the first time EVER Jack, I agree with you. This one 100%. We will see, however, how your left wing blogosphere chips in.

It is a disgusting example of celebrity justice and how Hollywood believes their own is immune from criticism and personal wrong doing.

Ask me, if you defend this rapist, you are as much of a pedophile as he is.

A rape of a 13 years old girl is a very bad crime, it doesn't have to be like crimes made by USA soldiers in Iraq when they killed the girl and her family. A crime is crime.

ALL of the above, especially for Debra Winger and the "Hollywood folk".

Woody Allen? Are you talking about the child rapist himself? No wonder he supports the other rapist. As for the rest of hollywood you said it best "what are the smoking?" . I have not watched a Woody Allen movie since he committed his crime and now I see I have a few more Hollywood types to add to my list.

Jack, I've got an idea! Why dont we take all the celebs 12 and 13 year old daughters and have them drugged with ludes and raped. Except that the rapist has NO SKILLS in writing or directing movies and see how many come out in support for the felon. I'm gonna guess- nobody

Would Mr. Polanski and his apologists defend the Nazis today who murdered his Mother an entire generation prior to the crime to which he plead guilty?

Jack, what you and all us regular folks are too simple-minded to understand is that Polanski is a "gifted" artist and therefore entitled to that sort of special treatment that all of Hollywood expects. The law is for us common folks when we get caught raping children! (sic)

I think this whole thing should be forgotten, just as the victim wishes.

I wrote an email to CNN today because Rick Sanchez said the same thing on his show about Whoppi Goldberg supporting Roman Polanski – she clarified today on The View – saying that she was just trying to clarify exactly what he was charged with NOT her own personal opinion. She said that on an issue as important as this, to have a discussion without getting the facts straight is irresponsible.

She started the show with these comments, so I think you all should explain this on your shows as well.

The Hollywood "folks" live in "La La Land"!!

Lol – Woody Allen? No surprise!

Wasn't he also involved with Nastassja Kinski when she was 15?

Basically Hollywood is condoning the rape of a 13 year old girl.

And while I agree that this is just bringing more angst to the victim after all these years letting him off sends the wrong message. If he had served his time and paid his fines back then he'd likely be out of jail by now anyway.

He's just prolonged his own punishment.

Jack,
I am as liberal as they come, but I am with you on this. He fled the country to avoid sentencing and possible jail time. I don't care who you are, if you run to avoid jail time you should be prosecuted for that, too. Hollywood is grossly out of touch on this one!

Chris (Phoenix)

Hollywood stars thinking that they have the power to stop a guilty child rapist from being punished is just rediculous... Being famous shouldn't affect how the law treats it's criminals. I don't care if they get a thousand signatures on their petition; It's still toilet paper as far as i'm concerned

It clearly sends the wrong message Jack. Leave it to the knuckleheads
in Hollywood to defend a child molester but it's no surprise. They defended Woody Allen and Michael Jackson as well. It's time for
Roman Polanski to face what he did and do the time in jail !!

I think it shows how depraved and sad our society has become. When we live in a day where a man just because he is rich and famous can commit such an act as Polanski did, and then have the “Hollywood Elite” stand up and defend him like he is innocent of the charge, there is something wrong with our values. When cemetery owners can do horrible things like dig up a loved one and then resell the plot like they did in Illinois, there is something wrong with our values. When children enter into our institutions of learning and pull out a gun and start shooting everyone in sight just because they are angry, there is something wrong. When we as a country can abort babies and no more think about it than buying birth control, something is wrong.

Why is no one talking about the fact that he fled from the country, isn't that a seperate crime in itself?

It's baffling to me that there seems to be many people that feel that Polanski is innocent. Now in all honesty I first heard about this story a few days ago, so I don't consider myself very well informed regarding this case. But seriously, he pled guilty to giving a 13 year old girl drugs and alcohol, after which he raped her. Then he fled the country because he didn't want to go to prison. Um isn't it illegal and a crime to rape a minor? I'm not sure I understand why so many famous people are siding with him. Just because he's a well known director doesn't mean he should be immune from our justice system. We have these laws for a reason... to keep us all from resorting to animalistic behavior.

I agree with you Jack, what the heck are they smoking out there, and how would they feel if it were their daughter. I wonder if they would be so quick to back Polanski if he were a crappy director....the man admitted guilt and should pay his debt to society....that's what we demand of the little guy!
Judy
Peterborough, Canada

Gee, and people wonder why people in other countries wonder about our morals in Hollywood. Hooray for the Prosocuters in Los Angles who never gave up on making him pay for his crime. He pled guilty and fled the country to avoid serving his time. he would have been out of jail now if he had just been a man and served his time. So sorry Mr Polansky you need to show your kids if you get in trouble you have to take the consequnces.

Jack, there's no time to look at the past only to look to the future...isn't that the line we use for any other felons? If the child /adult involved does not want the case to go forward, why is it so important to prosecute now? What would the point be? Because no one in the US has ever avoided serving a sentence for a crime commited? There's a time limit for filing a claim and there should be one for prosecuting a person..especially since no one did anything for 30 years.

Well it seems to me that the victim just wants to put this behind her! The problem here is that fact and the state of California is broke and they still want to spend alot of the tax payers money for a victim who doesn' t want revenge. Come on America wake up!

Please, please, please. He admitted to raping & drugging a 13 year old human being. He should be extradited and if the current court system allows him to only receive the 42 days served as his punishment, so be it, but he should be required to complete the legal requirements of HIS rape in the good old USA.

Rape and the charges that Polansky are charged with were crimes against the CHILD and HER FAMILY...

They are not crimes against the state... the state is a SERVANT of the people... the function of state justice is to remedy claims of wrong doing against the people...

If the child and her family still have claims of wrongdoing and are seeking justice then Polansky has no moral right to claim any type of absolution from his past crimes...

However it seems that the then child and her family have all moved on and no longer hold any claims against this man...

The state still prosecuting this is just as ludicrous as a debt collector agent of a merchant going after a former debtor when the former debtor and the merchant have mutually agreed to cancel their debt...

Just another example of a cancerous out of control government!

The messgae sent is that those in the world who claim America is a Godless immorally infested waste land needing to be wiped off the Earth may be proven to have a point.

How in the world can anyone speak out against this clown being sent to prison for the rest of his life. He pled guilty, and then fled before he could be sentenced Hollywood!!!

Perhaps advocacy groups should organize a movement against products coming out of Hollywood from those who signed their names on the petition calling for this child predator to be released.

What is Whoopi Goldberg thinking about? Hasn't she been documented as admitting to being a victim of sexual abuse? What kind of rape isn't rape Whoopi? You're an idiot!

Jack,
Come on.. it means that Hollywood is into making movies, winning awards for the movies and staying the hell away from real reality!!
The California folks that are trying to overturn Prop 8 just lost the credibility in their number one supporters.

Just because one commits a rape 30 years back do not give immune to be free. A crime is committed and the guilt should be punished. Punish the Director .. he is no different from other sex offenders.

I don't understand their outrage. Yeah he made some great movies, but he did one of the worst crimes imaginable. If anyone else had done this crime they would be asking for his head like the rest of us.

I am shocked and disppointed that Whoopie Goldberg would dismiss a rape as being less than it was. Actors in support of this rapist should be ashamed. Hollywood's attitude simply shows that it is going to hell in a handbasket.

A crime is a crime and justice should be served no matter how old a case is. Polanski seeks justice for crimes commited to his mother in the concentration camp. How old is that case? Why the double standard? He should pay for the crime he has committed to that innocent girl.

I think it says that those in Hollywood, just like millions of the rest of us, don't trust our nation's law enforcement agencies or judicial system. Why should we? Whose fault was it that Polanski was allowed to leave the country, while awaiting sentencing, in the first place? Whose fault was it that Polanski was not arrested and returned within a year of his "escape" to Europe? Maybe we should stop believing that our laws govern the rest of the world and realize that other countries have their own laws and the right to create those laws based on their own beliefs and culture.
Brownwood, Texas

Does this REALLY surprise anybody? Hollywood has slowly morphed into a place inhabited solely by wackos, freaks, and amoral degenerates.

I'm not some religious zealot or holier than thou type, but COME ON! This is CHILD RAPE we're talking about here!! One of the most VILE, DESPICABLE crimes a person can committ.

How in the world can ANYONE defend that?? Seriously ... it boggles my mind ... Hollywood comes out in defense of cop killers, rapists, and the other dregs of society but 99.9% of them can't be bothered to support those who toil in obscurity every day, often risking their own lives to keep us safe.

And people wonder why no one is going to the movies or watching T.V. anymore? Maybe we can no longer identify with what Hollywood has become. They are completely and totally disconnected from reality.

I like Whoopi, but what color is the sky in her world? What if it had been a 13 year old black child.

Thank-you so much for your story. I am an incest survivor and it brings me great comfort to know that there are people out there that care!

I think it's a disgrace that these Hollywood people down play this situation. This guy is a sex offender. He RAPED a 13 year old girl. Who cares if it was in 1977 or yesterday, he should be put in prison with the rest of the pedophiles who have committed these same crimes. Just because he can direct a good film makes him special??? Makes the fact that he drugged and RAPED a young impressionable girl okay? I'm disgusted by these Hollywood types that stick up for this guy. They are the same people who have forgotten about the Michael Jackson incidents! Someone please protect our children because Hollywood isn't going to do it!

Portland, Oregon

Unbelievable!! When is drugging and raping a 13 year old acceptable in this country??? SHAME on Hollywood and all of you actors, directors and writers that think that time matters here. If this were your daughter I sincerely doubt you would be taking such a "free love" attitude. He needs to face the courts for his sentence just like any AVERAGE American would have to. Polanski is not "special".

What it means Jack is what many of us have known for a long time – if you live in California you probably are out of touch with most of the rest of the country in terms of common sense. Thankfully these strange people in the film world don't speak for the rest of normal America. One of these people is Woody Allen can't even remember that it is not OK to have sex with your own daughter. Of course on many days it would be hard for Woody Allen to even tell us who his own kids are. In my case it's pretty straight forward; extradite Polanski and finally sentence the guy and have him serve that sentence. He should not get anything different than any other pervert that has sex with minors.

And you wonder why their prisons are overcrowded. this is what happens when artists are confused for politicians. Typical in a celebrity driven society. The nouveau riches of california don't want him in jail cause they don't want to pay taxes to keep him their.

Aren't these the same types of people who yelled for the heads of Catholic priests for decades old crimes against young boys? The guilty should be punished regardless of their standing.

jack

Its says Hollywood is just like the healthcare debate, they vote NO on a public option because insurance companys donate millions to them.
Hollywood says Roman Polanski should not be charged, because he is "famous" and part of the haves not the have nots. no other excuses..

How would Roman Polanski's feel if his parents Nazi's from the holocaust concentration camps were caught, MAYBE they should not be charged either, I mean it was so many years ago right?

Hey it's Hollywood ...there are no rules. This is one reason our children have no empathy. It's in the movies, on TV and in the lifestyles of our "stars". Thirteen years old and it's not rape rape!!! Gee Whoopie what if it were your daughter? Of course we should let him go, he directed a movie or two and he gets to rape children if he wants to. Frankly I'm didgusted with the whole famous scene...bring back the studio created stars...at least we thought they were worthy of our esteem.

It means that Hollywood is what we always knew but didn't want deal with because we want to be entertained. They are a bunch of delusional, self-absorbed dirt bags that have spent so many of their days wallowing in their own filth that they think this is normal.

Once again, Hollywood is out of touch with reality and doesn't get it. If this happened to "Joe Plumber", people would think without a doubt that he should be sentanced. Who cares if he is a "gifted director"? He committed several serious crimes–to which he pled guilty, and regardless of the time that has passed, deserves to serve his time.

Hollywood generally speaking is overpaid and out of touch and now believes one of their own needs to be exonerated of crimes committed.

Not only should they put Polanski away they should also put his perverted friend Woody Allen in there with him.

The Hollywood celrbrities are delusional. They are like all people with money, power or both. They feel special and therefore don't feel they need to play by the same rules of societry the rest of us are constrained by.

Jack,
The message it sends is "hey we're special so we should get special treatment" but then when haven't the rich and famous expected special treatment? Murder, Theft, Rape... that's just stuff that the little people should be punished for... I mean Polanski is a directing guru and an artist right?
You know, Hitler was an artist too... I wonder if they would be so forgiving of Hitler's little bit of bad behaviour (you know... killing millions of people) just because he was an artist? Gee, can I go rob a bank so I can pay my bills? I oil paint, write novels and short stories, and and and I'm an artist damn it!
Luwanna Artist in Guysville Ohio

Jack,

It sends the message that if you commit a crime all you have to do to get away with it is flee the country. I don't want potential criminals getting that message! I don't understand why the celebs are defending him. It makes me wonder if there are any other victims?

Jessica, Nashville TN.

Hey Hollywood you are not above the law although you all think you are! He raped a 13 year old girl - that age again was 13! It makes me sick seeing all these stars and directors coming to his defense like it was ok that he did that! Nice message you are sending out to our youth Hollywood. If this had happened to one of their kids they would be all be up in arms. What idiots!

Though everyone is entitled to their opinion, it looks to me like Hollywood elitism is surfacing here. People don't often become Hollywood A-listers because of their brains or integrity. Let me hear what child rape victims have to say about this, not actors who think that because their faces are well known they have some special privilege to be heard and listenned to. Maybe the media should just shun them when it comes to matters of human hurt and call on them for Best and Worst Dressed lists...

Prison shouldn't be about punishment, it should be about protection of society. Unless he's a threat to rape again, prison is pointless.

Locking this creep up won't "un-rape" that girl. We'd be better off forcing him to use his celebrity to speak on behalf of victims of crimes like his.

Something doesn’t seem right here. I mean, I am a musician and could totally be seen as the “artsy/fartsy” type and to me it would seem just logical that a guy who drugged and raped a 13 year old girl would be brought to justice if possible-no matter when the crime occurred. I would like to think that these people simply think that the public has the facts of the case wrong-not that too much time has passed.

Woody Allen himslef is a pedofile. He had an affair and married his own adopted stepdaughter after divorcing his wife. Sick supporting the sick.......really sad.

Once again, Jack, you've proven you can load a question like no one else.

Having gotten that off my chest, Polanski was convicted of statutory rape. The victim's consent to the act, or lack thereof, is irrelevant. Whoopee knows this. I find it dreadful that she would put the interests of all the little girls behind the interest of a pedophilic SOB just because he happens to be in the same industry as she. SHAME ON YOU WHOOPIE.!

If he were a Catholic Priest or some other clergyman, they would want his head. Shows you how evil this Hollywood crowd is. They all think they are above the law

Hollywood doesn't care about children. There's an endless list of lives that have been ruined either by scum like Polanski or by children who were made "stars" and who ended up with ruined lives. McKenzie Phillips is the latest we've heard about.

Hollywood disgusts me! They have no sense of morality at all, and now they want to force the rest of us to accept their version of morality. Which is what? That it's alright to rape a child and not be punished for it, as long as you make pretty movies and have lots of money? Or that because you're old now you shouldn't be punished! Mr. Polanski has had a long, fulfilling life, never giving a thought to the fact that he permanently damaged a young 13 year old girl. I say the punishment is long overdo and he should serve his time!

thank-you, you are soooo right. they just don't get it. no morals in hollywood.

Morality and family values are hardly the first things I associate with the majority of the Hollywood crowd.

Thankfully, they are not a reflection of the majority. Polanski is a fugitive who plead guilty to drugging and raping a 13 year old girl and should be held accountable.

If he feels he has a case to present then let him come here and make his case.

David
Lafayette, CO

To answer your question: How would you feel if it had been your 13 year old daughter? Of course he should be punished further.
However...
The ACTUAL mother AND THE VICTIM HERSELF didn't think Polansky should be further punished, then or now. Odd, but true.

My G-d what's wrong with you! Polanski's mother died in the Holocaust! Hasn't the poor man suffered enough??? So what if he raped a 13 year old girl!

Polanski, oh please! It sends the wrong message particularly to young people. He can not be protected because he is a producer. Do not stop. Go directly to jail. Rape is rape, and he should be punished. The bigger good is to have him incarcerated. He can produce some movies from prison. He certainly has a full cast there.

I think the mother of the 13 year old brought her to Polanski to further their careers and didn't mind that much.
Other countries have a lower age of consent than the US.
You say Polanski already spent 42 days in jail and the plea agreement wasn't for a long stretch.
The judge in the case went over the line during the trial.
Polanski has stayed out of trouble in the past 30 years since this incident and is now an old man.
It has been 30 years.
"Hollywood" is not the only ones on Polanski's side but it does make for a more controversial story by throwing "Hollywood", whatever that means, out there. I'm sure there are "Hollywood" stars who think Polanski should be jailed.
Whoopie's comments were nonsensical; I guess she meant it wasn't a black guy violently raping a white woman.
If it was my 13 year old daughter, who now says leave him alone, I would respect her wishes.
Our country is so angry in general, that no one gets sympathy except our selves.
The message is the incident needs to be put in perspective; the guy has received some punishment and the "victim" wants it put to rest.

In my opinion, Hollyweird is treating him as an Oscar winning director that can do no wrong. He should be in prison getting the treatment the 13 year old got from his cell mate Oscar!

The message that it sends, is that class and stature in society will exonerate any crime.

Oh if I had a 13 year old daughter and this happened to her, i'll just say I'm from Texas 'nuff said!

you do the crime. you do the time.

jack,

It's you who don't get it. Polanski pled guilty as part of a plea deal, which the judge then indicated that the judge would not honour. Had Polanski known the judge would not honour the deal worked out between accused and the state, he would likely not have pled guilty.

Also, you fail to mention that the victim is not in favour of the prosecution proceeding. What do you think will be accomplished by devoting further resources to a 30 year old case in which even the victim is not in favour of pursuing? Do you think there is extra money in California to spend on extradition proceedings? Perhaps there are some other programs it could be better spent on.

Hollywood gets it. Do you? By the way, what sentence do you think he deserves at this point?

Guess we know where we woman stand–still. Not important enough to get justice. And Woody Allen? Woody Allen??? Take it from whence it comes. He slept with his own daughter, for Pete's sake; doesn't matter that she was adopted. Aside from being a rapist and a pervert, Polanski is a fugitive from US law...a proven flight risk. Want to bet Allen or Sorcsese will be making a sympathetic movie about it all...and those who don't remember the story will join the movement to pardon poor Roman Polanski.

People in Hollywood continue to believe they are above the law.

Let Harvey Weinstein's, Debra Winger's or any of the other airheads in Hollywood 13 year old daughter get raped and lets see how fast they want to allow the individual go free.

I hope that the millions of americans who think so highly of Hollywood see what a farce they really are. I certainly do.

The message sent is that there is no morality in Hollywood. People
actually listen to these dopes. Woody Allen, didn't he diddle his step-
daughter and Debra winger, she is a real legal Scholar. Anybody expecting lucid thought from these Idiots is naive. If the thirteen year
old girl who was drugged and rapped by the human garbage called
Roman Polanski was my daughter, Mr. Polanski would have received
the justice the crime deserved and it would not have taken thirty two
years.

They view their lives, and the lives of people like them, as far superior to the commoners. Their work is far to important to be interrupted because of some "chick".

Oh, the message it sends is very simple. Hollywood has a large population of amoral idiots.

But we already knew that. Starting with Woody Allen.

I'm more concerned by the initial reports that showed huge numbers of Europeans aghast at Americans having the temerity to request his arrest – but that appears to have been a biased report.

I don't care who he is or what his prominence, noteriety, tallent or status is in the world – what he did is dispicalbe and he should pay for this crime just like anyone else.
The people that want this to go away because of who he is – that is what is wrong with justice system – it is not the courts but the people and lawyers that think someone should be the exception.

Jack I guess most of Hollywood is caught in the politics of our time they hear about four men in Miami getting charged as terrorist that were no more organized that a group of four brownies, then they hear about the arrest of a man over seas for something that happened over thirty years ago . That They just see it as Politics as usual ,In stead Of the law being The Law . In one sense I can under stand When We have people in this nation that have tortured people and and so many in this nation says It over time to look forward .

If this had been anyone else who had fled the country to avoid punishment we would not be discussing it. It's a shame that there are a different set of rules for celebrities and the rich.
Ashley
Atlanta, GA

Whatever Jack, a child rapist is just that a child rapist, spin it anyway you want but in the end its still child rape! If it were your daughter would it then be ok?, I doubt it real seriously. Problem is the majority of people out there are ready to hang the next guy for this but when its one of their own they find some sort of justification it the rapist actions. I think its this way so the members of family can sleep at night knowingly know their family member is a monster but have found a way to make it ok in their situation.

I'm sorry Hollywood. The Jews supporting a child pedifile is consistant with the bankers taking a bailout. Just because your jewish and rape a non-jew does not mean it is ethical or moral. Have we lost our moral compass to this low life scum?

so it means nothing that the victim doesn't even want to be involved?

she didn't want to be then or and doesn't want to be now.

and jack, if it was my 13 year old daughter she would not have been at Nicolson's place drinking champaigne in the 1st place.

i dont think a handful of 'hollywood types' can speak for an entire industry of people or the entire community of los angeles. most people in la (film industry and not) believe that what polanski did was abhorrent and that he deserves to be justly punished.

don't throw us all in the ocean because whoopi goldberg is an idiot.

This is very disturbing and unfortunate. I don't know why law enforcement waited this long, but better late than never.

I work in the child abuse field, and I can say with near-certainty that Polanski has victimized other children since raping that child in 1977. I've never worked with an offender of that caliber (raping a 13 at the age of 40-something) that only had one victim. He most likely victimized many, many more over the past 30 years.

Whoopi and others should be ashamed of myself. All I can say, is that clinically those who "identify with the abuser" and defend him/them, have usually been victims themselves.

Jack, how would I feel? I don't think I can put words to how I would feel! I have an 18 month-old daughter who I love more than anything in the world. I CAN tell you that I'd probably be serving time for emasculating him and feeding his junk to my dogs.

So hollywood thinks they are an elite group and above the law? What happened to all the dogooders looking out for the common man?
Rape is a crime, in this case against a very young girl.
Where are all the cries for justice on yet another crime against women? Get Hillary on this case, maybe she can remind those liberals who side they should be on!

I think the people protesting Polanski's arrest are just trying to suck up to him. We wouldn't hear a peep from those folks if he was considered a bad director.

rape is rape...why is this so hard..........oh because my daughters teacher is so brilliant he can have sex with her..........and she is 13....no problem......please ,it was wrong then and its wrong now and he admitted it and pled guilty...end of story

It's a Tribal thing, Jack. The Jews are very quick to defend their own, even when it is apparent that they are defending someone guilty of a criminal act.

I can't believe that people (other than his attorney) would defend this man. So many people were so quick to judge Michael Jackson as a pedophile, but at least he had the courage to stand trial and face his accusers. Polanski is a scumbag. He has been on the run for my entire lifetime and should not only be punished for his indiscretions with the 13 year old girl (who would be about 45 by now) but also for fleeing the country like a coward. Anyone aside from his paid council who defends him loses a modicum of respect in my book.

it just goes to show that if your famous. there are no rules and that all the people will think your being pick on . even if you confess. rape is rape no matter you commit the act. but most of the news is hoping it will go away. and what does this say to young girls. it say don't tellno one in hollywood cares

Another example of the rich and famous thinking they are not subject to the same laws as the rest of us. The victim has said it is causing her extreme anguish so I do not think they should have pursued. Mark in WV

You do the crime. You do the time. Unless you have a lot of Hollywood friends. He drugged and had sex with a 13 year old. This is a felony of the worst kind and should he be punished. Why should he be different that any other child molester?

If you or I had committed a similar act thirty-odd years ago, would we get a pass? No, and neither should Polanski. Further, he pleaded guilty, so he should be put on the sex offender list and his location made public at all times. He's old enough that he probably can't do any more damage, but still he deserves punishment for his actions.

It continues to demonstrate that Hollywood is HollyWeird!! How can anyone of a sane mind support a child rapist? This guy should have been indicted years ago!! If someone raped my daughter, I know exactly what I would do. Get my shot gun!!!

I will not support anyone who wants this guy to go free, this is ridiculous. I wonder if it were their daughters how would the react? Famous people have no morals in America and can easily get away with murder even after getting caught. The pervert was convicted and he escaped jail, he is a fugitive and must be brought back to justice. If anyone disagree with me, there is something fishy about them. OH MY GOD!!!

If you, or I, or the pedophile next door had done (and plead guilty) to what Polanski did, we would be held accountable. Not only should he serve the time for his crime, he should serve added time for felony evasion.
We should all boycott the works of any of those in Hollywood who are demanding his release. Can you post a list?

I have never responded to your questions.........usually I am in disagreement with you. However today you and I are on the same page. Personally I could care less with what Hollywood types say much less think, but now THEY think that this is no longer a crime makes me SICK!!!
Another example of the bubble that they live in.

People in Hollywood were saying I'm glad that can't happen here over that junk in San Fran with the 11 year old Jaycee. They don't get it. Polanski pled and needs to do his time. I don't mind his movies but in this country you do the time for your crimes. Hollywood has a real problem with short term memory. It seems that is all they have left. Manson wasn't the only monster in the area in the last 50 years.

Thanks for your petition Woody Allen, we will take that into consideration in your next lifetime, when you DON'T have sex with your adopted daughter.

Why is the US just now able to get to this guy? Another great example of how the Justice system works. Pathetic.

What this case shows is just how "above the law" these Hollywood people think they are. Just another example of the rich doing whatever they want!!!!!

In prison, child molesters and rapists are considered the bottom feeders. They are given no respect by the other prisoners, let alone anyone else. What does it say about Hollywood that it's stars are crying and singing praises for someone that murderers and gangsters would consider a scum bag?

Sorry, but isn't there a statuate of limitations around here somewhere?

First of all it isn't rape. It was consensual as the so-called victim has stated, many times. It was more than 30 years ago. He did 45 days in prison. Sure, bad judgement call and she was under age, but ask how many Vietnam vets diddled teenage prostitutes in Vietnam and then tell me Polanski needs to be in prison.

How many 13 year-old virgins do you know?

I hope this doesn't turn into another case of those with the capital don't get the punishment. It is not fair if anyone's economic class, gender, or race is a factor in their not facing justice.

The response of some Hollywood folks is another example of how people can rationalize the action or actions of those they know or support, whether a president, senator, congress member, banker, friend, or filmmaker.

The man pleaded guilty to the crime - let him do the time.

The guy took advantage of a minor whether she agreed to it or not, she was just a child. Anyone who think that its okay is sick. He pleaded guilty and instead of owning up to his mistake he flees like a coward. If it was the average joe this wouldn't be a debate. Everyone would agree he should be locked up, but because its some Hollywood director he should get a free pass.

It sends the WRONG message. Mr Polanski has not yet served his sentence for the drugging and rape of a minor child. No matter how many years have passed, he is not excused for what he did.

Friendswood, TX

Here is the thing, in the 1970's he basically served the time he would have if he had been sentenced. He was told he would have a short psychological evaluation and it ended up being 42 days at chino. Then the DA and the court basically decided to rec to the judge that the time served should wrap up the case. Well the judge decided that he wanted to have a lot of publicity which shouldn't surprise you in LA. So the DA having gotten wind of this called Roman's lawyers and told them this thing could really be going bad. Roman made the decision to leave. Several times when I lived out there he started to come back only to have something get messed up and he didn't come. But the important thing to remember is this. The laws of the 1970's were different than the laws today. This girl did not deserve this either. But her parents let her go to photo shoots and parties in LA. They also have some responsibility here. If it was today he would be guilty of rape but that charge was dropped and we can't convict him in a court of opinion that isn't our way either. So if he does come back to LA will a small sentence if any at all make all the people screaming for his head go away? The charges that were dropped can't come back now. That part is over. I would like to see this whole thing be over for the girl involved she is a mother now and doesn't need the notoriety. Thanks

It means Hollywood thinks other people (not their own) are pedophiles.

I wonder if the Hollywood stars and moguls really feel this way or that they are just trying to be cute. I don't think they're cute.

I am a 50 year old American, born and raised in Kentucky. I completely think Hollywood is disconnected as far as the rest of the US is concerned. Even among us progressive, liberal democrats (in my friends' cases) we are of a mind that he should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. He has made a mockery of the law by escaping arrest so far, and if possible we should be able to prosecute him for this offense. Raping a 13 year old girl is a very serious crime and he needs to face the music. At least he had the last 30 years to get all the fun he could have!

Sincerely
John in Kentucky

I wish that the guy who is spending few years because he raped and killed the inocent 13 y o iraqi girl, will be treated such as the monster of hollywood

I would never say the Polanski should not be punished, but in a state such as California where unknowns like Garrido and who knows how many more are allowed to walk after violent rape and kidnap and possibly murder, and allow to kidnap and rape again with the police not even looking, and in a country where criminals of greater magnitude, such as Tom DeLay, dance with stars with his grand jury indictment buried and never presented in court, pursuing across the world a man who was nasty once thirty years ago but never did it again seems odd to say the least. Yes he should be punished. Yet, I would like to see the same outrage about people who have never even sat in jail one day and keep mocking the justice system.

Easy. The message that Hollywood sends is that it protects its own.

The message the *real world* needs to send to Hollywood is that they are no less subject to the rule of law than anybody else.

If this is as much of a non-issue as Hollywood seems to think, then the onus is on Polanski and his lawyers to prove it in a US court, on US soil.

If Michael Jackson could get away with it, why shouldn't Polanski?

The message it sends is that a lot of celebrities in Hollywood think they are above the law. Woody Allen defending Roman Polanski for raping a child is as perverse as it gets.

~~ he fled the country to avoid sentencing after officials said he drugged and raped a 13-year-old girl.~~

and this should be the bottom line. 'Nuff said.
He committed a crime and NEVER paid the time. Period…
I also completely understand the victims unwillingness to have the continually brought up in her life… but I wonder who she would feel if it were HER own 13 yr old child?

I would imagine this would have a different outcome were it the average Joe.

Im growing tired of Hollywood’s elitist “it’s ok if he breaks the rules…he’s an artist” attitude.
They do live in a different world where they are exalted and catered to.
And WE are the ones that put them up there....we need to stop doing that!

Would Polanski get this type of support if he were a plumber or painter? It seems as if only the rich get support to evade punishment for crimes they had pled guilty to.

Where is the moral center of the US? In Hollywood? Doubt it. He was guilty and thought that his celebrity status would keep him from being punished for his crime. Many in Hollywood would agree that celebrity status carries with it special privileges like not being accountable. Well they are wrong. He should be brought back to the US for sentencing and let the judge decide if any special circumstances, such as the forgiveness of his victim, warrant a release. He cannot be allowed to continue to act above the law.

Jack:

Polanski has lived among Frenchmen for more than three decades. What more do you want in the way of retribution?

Unfortunately, this reinforces the fact that there are two sets of laws in this country – one set for the rich and famous, and one for everyone else.

from what I've read it was concentual . That does put a different spin on this saga. Also not defending him in any way , but 30 years . Hasn't the statue of limitations ended on this case by now

Apparently Whoopie, along with others in Hollywood, don't understand "rape" and the life-time damage it does to women, even if the victim in this case says, "no big deal." This is a society in which celebrities set the moral tone, like it or not. What they are conveying is that rape of children is fine if the perpetrator has added value to the society. WRONG! There is nothing that a rapist can do to undo the damage he has done. Even celebrities should encourage people to obey the law.

He should have picked on someone his own age. Not a kid. He deserves to think about what he did. He hasn't thought about it for years, chances are.

The fact that Hollywood is fighting for Polanski to be free of all charges from the rape incident 32 years shows that there is little or no sense of morality in that town.

As usual Hollywood folks want to live life under a different set of rules than the rest of us folks do.

Well Jack, since the only charge he pleaded to was sex with a minor, their was no finding of rape in his case, so what are we really talking about here? I think most likely consensual sex between a minor, and a grown man which is still not right, but far from rape and not worthy of talking about frankly, especially with the problems this nation is facing now.

I agree what he did was wrong, but the victim has specifically stated that she does NOT want another trial or have the case brought up again.

She said that the prosecuters, press, and trial did more damage to her than Polanski did.

Even though I personally want Polanski to be in jail, I think that her wishes should be respected in this case.

Jack,

I'm pretty sure a child rapist who pleads guilty is a criminal. Just because he has eluded justice does not mean he should not serve his time. Polanski is not only guilty of child rape, he's guilty of fleeing sentencing... I think he should be tried for that as well.

I continue to be amazed at how the apparent facts of this case (drugged, raped, 13 years old, plead guilty) are buried in amongst terms like "award-winning", "the Tate case", and big name celebrity statements. I know exactly how I'd feel if this had been a 13 year old daughter of mine, and the passage of time wouldn't do much towards dulling those feelings.

Linda M. Nova Scotia Canada

Tell the whole story, Jack. The judge reneged on the plea bargain that Polanski had agreed to. The most serious charges were dismissed under the terms of his plea bargain, and Polanski pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. Yet after a conversation with LA Deputy District Attorney David Wells, Judge Rittenband (now deceased) violated the terms of the plea bargain. I don't condone what he did, but Polanski was railroaded.

Sir,
I do understand your disgust of the plain fact that Polanski fled his conviction. But you also mist the point that Polanski was not deported by the French Government because it is believed that his trial was a farce ans a miscarrige of justice. So there is two point of view. The truth lies perhaps in the middle but the man as suffer enough and the girl (woman now) wants the charge remove.

The message they are sending in that the Hollywood crowd is out of touch with reality. I like Polanski too but a 13 year old girl is a 13 year old girl and doesn't anyone think he should have known better?

Well of course they are special. They fly private jets and ride limos while "talking green". It is clear that they believe laws do not apply to them. Come on!!! He is a convicted felon. This isn't about the prosecutor or the timing, Its about justice!

I am a Whoopi fan, but she is completely wrong about this. Polanski needs to pay for his crime. This was most definitely rape.

Jack,

As much as I love Whoopi, I am very shocked at her outlook on this issue. As you stated, what if this was her or my daughter. Rape is rape and especially that of a 13 year old, who obviously is not old enough to know the meaning of consensual sex. It goes to show you the rich and famous feel their crimes and misconduct does not and should not have the same weight and merit as an ordinary citizens like myself. Whoopi got this one dead wrong.

Polanski deserves what he gets, but pursuing this prosecution is a waste of taxpayer resources by officials who want a little Hollywood limelight for themselves.

My little dog knows when he has done something wrong, he will runaway and when I continue calling his name he will return to me. Polanski is lower than my dog he never came back to stand up like a REAL MAN. Do the right thing Roman.

Jack, I understand your arguement but do some research on the case. Polanski plead guilty to get the corrupt judge and D.A. off his back. He was being railroaded by the legendary corrupt L.A. legal system. Everybody associated with the case including the victim says that Polanski was not given a fair trail by a corrupt judge. This is why Polanski has been able to fight his extradition in the past by other countries. I bet he beats this one too.

Dear Jack, The Hollywood actors who are supporting Polanski are missing the boat. They have taken leave of their senses. He should do the time for his crime of rape. I think if it was one their grand children or children they would want to castrate him for doing so. No one should be above the law when it comes to defiling little girls and boys.

Mr. Polanski drugged a girl and force himself on her. If that is not rape what is? The victim was scared, young and helpless. This happens all the time, college students. I think he should stand trial and what ever is thrown at him, he has to take You see, as a Jew from Europe he experienced violence and for what ever reasons wanted to inflict himself on a child.

If that was a man of no means, of color, where do you think he would be?

S.

Is this really a discussion? The man "admited" to having sex with a 13 year old child... Jack, let me repeat that for the confused and delusional... 13 YEARS OLD? If he doesn't come back to America and be put in prison where he should be... I will not be shocked! The elite seem to have more power when it comes to political issues, legal issues and everything in between. If Whoopi says so then it must be... The people who are behind him like Woody Allen should be ashamed of themselves and smacked in the face... obviously they aren't alert and aware of what they are saying!

Bryan
Nashville,TN

I really don't care what the victim says about this. This is not about her. Mr. Polanski fled the country. She doesn't get to absolve him of his crimes.

Why has the subject of Polanskis relationship with Natasha Kinski come up in any of the disscusions. He started a relationship with her when she was only 15. To me this seems like a pattern of behavior that should raise a red flag to all his 'friends".

A lot of people in Hollywood seem to believe it's "unfair" or "appalling" that he was arrested when he arrived in Switzerland to receive a tribute to his life. You know what else is unfair and appalling? Drugging and raping a thirteen-year-old girl. Is he any less guilty now because he's a successful director? Is the crime made any less vile? Others say it's been thirty-two years and we should put it behind us. How long do you have to be on the run from the law before rape becomes no big deal? Why don't you tell the victim to put it behind her? Some people have said he's been through enough, with his mother dying in a concentration camp and wife and unborn baby being killed by Manson's family. Maybe it's just me, but I don't consider having an extremely difficult life to be justification for rape. Sorry, but I just don't get it.

One of our (major) tv stations here in Denver, CO asked why Polanski was arrested for a crime that happened over 30 years ago. The first thought that crossed my mind was Why NOT???
The message is clear: it's ok to violate little girls if you have public status.

It says that laws are not cut and dried, that mercy has a place in justice, that perhaps, for a brilliant director, a lifetime of separation from the world's film capital is punishment enough.

The guy drugged and raped a child. What else really needs to be said? So what that it happened x number of years ago.

He raped a child. Period.

It shows that celebrities live in their own little fishbowl and have so many yes-people around them that all their thoughts and inspiration are divine. One of the large problems with our civilization is that we glorify celebrities and think they are something more than pretty faces, or comedians. I was really disappointed to hear anyone say Polanski should be allowed to get away with drugging and raping a 13 year old. He is a pedophile. Let the celebrities go back into their glittery world, but leave the judging to the judges, and the litigation to the attorneys. I have clients who were victimized by adults, and it’s not pretty, the scars and confusion is there for the rest of their lives.

The same message that is on today's TV, Movies and Music. It goes hand in had with what they write. For the last 30 years the Hollywooders have promoted Rape, Murder, Incest, Adultry, Drugs, Greed, etc. You can see it all. They write it and it sells. What ever happened to "Leave it to Beaver"? Is he on Crack too?

Absolutely SHAMEFUL and DISGUSTING that anyone would support a grown man that drugs, rapes, sodomizes a child and skips town to avoid sentencing. It shouldn't matter how long ago it was. If it were me or you, they would applaud the fact that we were found and now justice would be served. But because he is a who's who in Hollywood he is above the law?! I have a little girl and I feel like this is a total slap in the face to parents every where who have either lost their child to pedophiles, or who's child has lost their innocense to these low-life predators!

Los Angeles, CA

"Yes, he drugged and rapped a 13 year old" should really be the only response on whether to extradite the man or not. A good movie(obviously subjective) is not a reasonable defense.

Jack,

Hollywood has its fair share of horrors/ skeletons in the many households of stars. Simply they feel their above the law! Immigration terms would be that Polanski was a self deport! Never less he still broke the law and is a predator to children. Just think of the many young women he has violated over the decades. Does anyone remember Paul Ruben with his Child Porn? What happened to him? Nothing!

The same message Hollywood has always been sending; degaradation and depravity and the doube standard for thier community.

How would Whoopi feel about a Hollywood High teacher having 'rape but not rape' sexual relations with a freshman student?

If it was really about the rape , I am in favour of his arrest. I doubt though if it is really about the crime he committed . Probably he said something about holocaust or showed friendly feelings towards Iran or something like that. I do not think rape,murder and theft is as big a crime in America as not being friendly to Israel or denying holocaust or not crying enough for the victims of holocaust . You know what I mean! I believe he commited one of those on top of that rape.

You said it best Jack, "How would they feel if it was their 13 year old daughter"?
Its obvious there is a double standard on how Hollywwod thinks their own should be dealt with. He is a convicted rapist and now needs to pay the price for drugging and raping a 13 year old girl.
He escaped justice for over three decades by running.
These Hollywod celebs who think it should be kicked under the rug should be ashamed.

Its sad that in these days we have celebrities out there trying to stand up for rapist such as Polanski while others are fighting for the justice of those that have been brutally violated. Whats also frightening is that our children look up to these people.

No one is above the law. Not a celebrity, a politician and not even the rich and famous. This so simple and clean cut. He admitted it and I assume there is evidence. When I hear celebrities finding excusing and exceptions for not hold him accountable they just support my view that they are elitist and out of touch with reality.

Brett,

The fact that the victim wants us to drop it is not material. This is not a civil case, it is a criminal case. Every day abused women ask police not to arrest their abusers, but as a society we deem certain crimes – rape, assault, and so on – as crimes against our society as well as the individual victims, and the police are obligated to make those arrests. As the indirect victims, if there is sufficient evidence, we prosecute and punish those crimes regardless of the wishes of the direct victims.

In this country, we do not stand for adults having sex with 13 year-olds, regardless of the wishes of the 13 year-old before, during, or after the crime.

I would feel the same way as you Jack had it not been for the victim herself saying 'let it go'. She was the victim and has forgiven him long ago and wants to move on with her life and is devastated that this is bringing her more attention. Her wishes should be respected and why do you even care what a celebrity says anyway?

It sends the same message as our government officials are sending that it is ok to break the law with no consequences and that honesty, integrity, justice, and just plain common decency are "Gone with the Wind" and a thing of the past. So sad.

Does Debra Winger have a daughter??

How would she feel if her daughter of 13 was raped and sodomized?, surely if she has a heart she would want justice for this TERRIBLE CRIME. What is wrong with the people in Hollywood?, they obviously DON'T live in the real world, or do they really think they are so special that they don't have to answer for anything or ANY CRIME........ NOT

I think the attitude the Hollywood set are taking, is not unlike the attitude people across our country take when it comes to a celebrity, or a sports star. We tend to put them on a different level than we would an everyday person. This is a sad state to have to say this about people, but we bring it on by idol worship. As far as this case goes, the law was broken, we need to do what the law calls for, not be influenced by a bunch of ego maniacs in tinsel town.

We cannot judge this case or this man based on one isolated fact or incident. Instead, all the circumstances of the case merit consideration, not least the request by the victim that the case against Polanski be dropped, that he has served his time and that further pursuit of the case by the media and the authorities only causes her and her family to endure additional and unwanted attention. Let's let the victim get on with her life, as she has repeatedly asked.

Hollywood should be made aware that some day their opinions – although powerful because of their notariety – may just go too far and the public may pay them back with boycotting movies.

I agree. Roman Polanski is where he belongs!

If you read the court testimony it is obvious this was not his first time. He was well controlled how to keep himself safe.

It begs to make one think about the others in Hollywood who would do this in the privacy of their or their other friends homes. Sorry Jack