Paris (AFP)
Franco-Polish director Roman Polanski, targeted by rape accusations, announced on Friday that he would not attend the general assembly of the Caesar, the French Oscars on Tuesday, an institution in the midst of a crisis of which he remained a "historic member "to the chagrin of feminists.
This general assembly, made up of 182 members, is due to meet on Tuesday to try to put an end to the criticisms of its self-esteem and its lack of parity, by electing a new board of directors with a female / male tandem as its president.
Roman Polanski, whose presence was denounced by feminists who called for a rally on Tuesday, is part of this general assembly, however renewed, as a "historic member".
A right which is granted to him, according to the new statutes, after having made the request and as winner of an Oscar (for "The Pianist" in 2003).
"Although driven by a deep respect for the work of the Caesar Academy and its 182 members, Roman Polanski never attended the meetings of the general assembly and does not intend to do so at the 'future,' according to a statement from the 87-year-old director sent to AFP.
"Likewise, he never intervened in any way in the decisions of the Association and its members," he said.
Last February, the institution of the Caesar was shaken by a deep crisis, during the coronation of Roman Polanski, César for best director for his film "J'accuse", despite accusations of rape against him.
The director, also expelled from the Academy of Oscars in the United States, a country he fled four decades ago after pleading guilty to embezzlement of a minor, was not present to receive his award, but the The sensational departure of actress Adèle Haenel marked the ceremony.
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