Roman Polanski Avoided Prison Time

In the 1970s, Polanski pleaded guilty to the rape of a girl who was just 13 years old. He fled the U.S. before sentencing, escaping judicial consequences. Polanski may have escaped jail time, but he has been able to suffer social and career fallout. While he has been able to continue making award-winning movies in Europe, he is barred from setting foot on American soil unless he wants to face his sentencing. This fact accomplishes two goals: first, it serves as punishment where the justice system failed, causing him to lose audience members and dollars for the enormous American cinema market. And second, it protects his American victims from having to encounter Polanski or his films. Meanwhile, ongoing media coverage of Polanski's other alleged victims have continued to serve justice to victims while causing him to face public criticism. Numerous reports in major national and international media outlets throughout the past several years have continued to put the focus back on the survivors of Polanski's alleged violence. The focus should be placed on ensuring enduring social and career consequences for this convicted pedophile rather than looking to his possible return to American cinema.