California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has weighed in with his opinion on the arrest of director Roman Polanski for the 1977 rape of then 13-year-old Samantha Geimer.
“It doesn’t matter if you are a big-time movie actor or a big-time movie director or producer,” Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in an interview on CNN. “I think that he is a very respected person, and I am a big admirer of his work.”
Fame doesn’t give anyone the right to avoid justice for their crimes, however, according to Schwarzenegger. “I think he should be treated like everyone else,” the former Hollywood actor said on CNN. “One should look into all of the allegations, not only his allegations but the allegations about his case. Was there something done wrong? You know, was injustice done in the case?” Guess Arnold won’t be signing that celebrity petition demanding Polanksi’s release.Â
Roman Polanski is currently fighting extradition to California to answer for his 1977 sexual assault of Samantha Geimer. Polanski pleaded guilty to “unlawful sex with a minor” for the crime, but fled the country to escape possible jail time in sentencing.