After being thrown out in 2018: Roman Polanski sues Oscar Academy

On Friday, Roman Polanski's attorneys filed suit before a Los Angeles court.

The 85-year-old director and Oscar winner wants to return to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a full member. In May 2018, Polanski was expelled for sexual misconduct, at the same time as Bill Cosby. Harvey Weinstein had previously been kicked out of the Academy.

In a five-page statement, Polanski's attorneys argued that Acadamy violated their own rules and principles by kicking out the filmmaker last May without notice and lead time. Polanski had been taken by surprise, he had learned of the sacking of the media and could not have defended himself. Already last year, Polanski had complained to the Academy.

The now again attacked, honorary association, which is responsible for the award of the Oscars, reiterated its decision: it was "fair and understandable" been met.

40 years fleeing US courts

In the US, a lawsuit against Polanski has been going on for 40 years. He is accused of sexual abuse of a 13-year-olds. Polanski had then admitted unauthorized sex with the minors, but set off shortly before the sentence was pronounced abroad. Since then, Polanski has mainly lived in France, avoiding visits to countries that have an extradition treaty with the United States.

The director was arrested on entry to Switzerland in 2009 and spent eight months under house arrest. In 2010, Switzerland refused a US extradition request.

In recent years, there have been repeated allegations of sexual abuse against Polanski. The allegations refer to alleged acts in the 1970s.

Following the expulsion of Weinstein and the debates surrounding the #Metoo movement, the Academy had revised the standards of conduct for its members. There is no place in the institution for those who "use their status, power or influence to violate the rules of decency".

Polanski has a long history with the Academy: he has been a member for nearly 50 years and his films have received a total of 28 Oscar nominations. In 2003 he was honored for his Holocaust drama "The Pianist" as the best director.