Roman Polanski pleaded guilty in 1977 to a criminal charge involving a 13-year-old girl and later left the United States before sentencing. He has continued directing films in Europe, while the case and his later career have remained controversial.

A divided legacy

The controversy has raised questions about how the film industry handles serious criminal conduct and whether artistic achievement should affect public accountability. Different institutions and individuals have reached different conclusions.

Explore the Hollywood archive for more documented industry controversies.

Imran Siddiqui

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