Megacelebrities in megatrouble

Two megacelebrities recently were dealt a dose of reality. First, world renown director and filmmaker Roman Polanski was arrested on a 32-year-old warrant and then CBS late-night TV host David Letterman announced he was being blackmailed because of past sexual affairs with staff members.

In 1977, Polanski was arrested in Los Angeles and pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, a 13-year-old girl (he was 44 at the time). Released after a 42-day psychiatric evaluation, Polanski fled to France and has had a U.S. arrest warrant outstanding since 1978, and an international arrest warrant since 2005. Polanski for many years avoided visits to countries that were likely to extradite him, such as the United Kingdom and Poland. As a French citizen, he was protected in France by the country’s limited extradition with the U.S. In September, he was arrested, at the request of U.S. authorities, by Swiss police. On Tuesday, it was announced that a Swiss court denied him bail. That means he’s a step closer to being extradited to the U.S.

Letterman, meanwhile, announced to his audience that he’s the victim of a blackmail scheme. CBS News producer Joe Halderman, accused of the extortion plot, threatened to reveal that Letterman has had affairs with several female staff members of his crew.

Polanski fights extradition to America to face old charges of jumping bail 32 years ago. He and his sympathizers (including the 13-year-old, now an adult) wish the case would be dropped. He’s believed to have paid the victim several-hundred thousand dollars to settle out of court so to speak but L.A.’s current district attorney still wants to prosecute him for leaving the country before sentencing.

According to police records from back in 1977, Polanski fed the girl alcohol and drugs and then had intercourse with her. Regardless of whether she consented (police say she didn’t) or not, the fact remains that he was 44 at the time and she was 13.

I agree with Los Angeles’ DA that Polanski should face charges. He committed statutory rape.

In Letterman’s case, he chose to get out in front of this case by going public before an arrest was made or the story made headlines. (Note to politicians: consider this a teachable moment). After receiving the threat of extortion he immediately informed the police and a sting was set up. The case is now pending.

The episode is going in many directions. Letterman is being praised by some for publicly admitting his peccadilloes. Others see possible lawsuits.

If the woman Letterman admits to having an affair with received promotions, bonuses and or perks due to their dalliance, then her peers at the time may have cause to officially complain. Those types of complaints may be covered under sexual harassment laws.

If they didn’t complain when said promotion, etc., took place, complaining now may be too late. So far public sentiment is 50-50.

To be continued.

Nelson Graves, of Augusta County, is a columnist for The News Virginian.