Director Roman Polanski Arrested for Rape of Samantha Geimer

Director Roman Polanski was arrested in Switzerland this weekend on a 30 year old arrest warrant for the rape of then 13-year-old Samantha Geimer. Polanski had traveled to Switzerland to receive a lifetime achievement award at the Zurich Film Festival.

Polanski was accused in 1977 of drugging and then sexually molesting Samantha Geimer after luring her into his grasp to take photos of her. The legendary director of such films as Rosemary’s Baby and Chinatown, Roman Polanski pleaded guilty to “unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor” for the decades-old crime, though he insisted the sex was consensual, but then fled the U.S. to France to avoid punishment. Polanski has since avoided traveling to countries where he might face extradition to the U.S., while continuing to direct films such as The Ninth Gate and The Pianist.

On Sept 26, Polanski was arrested at the Zurich airport on his way to receive a lifetime achievement award at the Zurich Film Festival. The Swiss Justice Ministry has reportedly confirmed Polanski will be forced to return to the U.S.

Polanski’s victim, Samantha Geimer sued the Oscar-winning director in civil court and received an undisclosed settlement amount. She has asked for the criminal case against Polanski to be dismissed.