The ruling underscores the challenges faced by victims of sexual assault in seeking justice, particularly when high-profile figures are involved.
The case reflects broader societal debates about accountability for sexual misconduct and the impact of public statements on the reputations of both accusers and accused.
Charlotte Lewis may pursue further legal action by appealing to the Court of Cassation, which could lead to a re-examination of the case.
The outcome of this case may influence future defamation lawsuits involving allegations of sexual assault, particularly in how courts interpret freedom of expression versus reputational harm.
British actress Charlotte Lewis lost her appeal against director Roman Polanski on December 4, 2024, in a defamation case where she accused him of calling her a liar regarding her allegations of rape. The Paris Court of Appeal upheld the earlier acquittal from May 2024, which stated that there were no facts in Polanski's statements that could harm Lewis's honor and reputation. The court's decision means that Polanski, now 91, remains free from civil liability in this matter, although Lewis's lawyer, Benjamin Chouai, expressed intentions to possibly appeal to the Court of Cassation.
The case revolves around allegations dating back to 1983 when Lewis claimed she was assaulted during a casting at Polanski's home in Paris when she was just 16 years old. The court did not assess the validity of the rape accusation itself but focused on whether Polanski had defamed Lewis by labeling her a liar in a 2019 interview with Paris Match. In that interview, Polanski suggested that Lewis's accusations were fabricated, stating, 'The first quality of a good liar is an excellent memory.'
During the trial, Polanski's legal team presented a 1999 interview where Lewis expressed admiration for him, arguing that it showcased inconsistencies in her claims. Despite the outcome, the case highlights ongoing discussions about the treatment of sexual assault allegations and the complexities involved in defamation cases related to such accusations.
