Roman Polanski Files Lawsuit Against The Academy After His 2018 Expulsion & Demands To Be Reinstated

Just about a year ago, filmmaker Roman Polanski was formally kicked out of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The reason for his dismissal stemmed from the decades-old court case that involved the rape of an underage girl, for which Polanski is currently avoiding jail time by not coming back to the United States. At the time, there was a large contingent of people that supported the Academy’s decision, as it coincided with the expulsion of Bill Cosby. However, the filmmaker and his wife made defiant comments, threatening to sue the Academy because of the decision.

Well, a year later, it appears that Polanski is ready to make good on those threats.

READ MORE: Sigourney Weaver Defends Working With Roman Polanski & Would Do It Again: “He’s Changed His Life”

The Oscar-winning filmmaker is asking a Los Angeles judge to rule that the AMPAS be forced to accept Polanski back into the organization as a member in good standing. The reason for the suit stems from the director’s argument that he was denied due process, and was never allowed to speak with the Academy before it’s fateful decision.

“The Academy committed a prejudicial abuse of discretion in that the Academy failed to proceed in a manner required by law, the Academy’s expulsion decision is not supported by the findings, and the Academy’s findings are not supported by the evidence,” writes Polanski’s attorney Harland Braun (via THR).

READ MORE: Roman Polanski’s Wife Refuses Academy Membership Due To “Insufferable Hypocrisy”

We’ll have to wait and see what happens as a result of this lawsuit. It could set a precedent that could see other people expelled from the Academy able to rejoin. However, if Polanski is denied his request, then it appears the Academy, and the film industry at large, will have a very bitter director on its hands.