COUNTER-PETITION: Roman Polanski Must Face Justice
by Big HollywoodWhile some of the biggest names in Hollywood have marshalled their money and power to seize the spotlight in favor of freeing a fugitive child rapist, we know that there are many in the entertainment industry who feel different and, as one friend put it, would like ”the rest of the country know that some of us in Hollywood have some morals.”
For those who feel the same way, we offer this petition.
Here are some guidelines:
1. Signers should have some firsthand experience in some field of entertainment. Performers, crew, writers, and non-professionals all qualify — as do those who report on the entertainment world.
2. Using the comments, please leave your name and title (i.e. John Smith – stunt man), plus whatever comment you’d like.
3. We don’t encourage them, but it’s not unreasonable to fear this petition may turn into a blacklist, so pseudonyms are fine. Please be clear that you’re not using your real name.
4. This is not a “burn him at the stake” petition. Your signature simply means that you believe Roman Polanski should be brought back to the United States and held legally accountable for his crimes.
5. Help spread the word that there’s a petition for others who feel the same way you do.
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770 Comments
Roman Polanski should be brought to the U.S. to face justice. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Taggart Snyder
Video Editor/CBS affiliate
Seriously? No body from Hollywood yet. I'm not an "insider" as noted above. An outsider — who pays to watch movies and such. You people better know that the average public is getting pissed.
TS Kelso
Freelance Production Coordinator
Carol Koster, former TV newscast producer, formerly in commercial and non-commercial radio
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Michael Chavez. Michael Chavez said: COUNTER-PETITION: Roman Polanski Must Face Justice http://bit.ly/RAE3t [...]
Sean Delgado, DGA Director member Latino Committee
PS – some of my all time favorite moments are in Polanski films!
Thomas A. Hennigan
Obscure educational video and theatre producer, father of two daughters
Movie goer for seven decades and counting.
a1776patriot ~ pseudonym
television writer, producer.
Most of Hollywood is either corrupt or lack any morals. Why do we even listen to them ?
Ben Stein is good
Dijhili,
Many in Hollywood are either corrupt or lack any morals. There is a distinct difference between "most" and "many". There are a lot of good people in Hollywood and they are raising their voices.
Screw it. I don't work that much anyway.
Michael Broderick – Actor
Ditto.
Theresa Lucas
Former Associate Producer (syndicated television)
Hopefully this won't double post. My original post disappeared…
Giacomo Knox, Executive Producer of the upcoming reality show: A Week With My Father. http://www.aweekwithmyfather.com
I support the innocence of CHILDREN, and Mr. Polanski must pay for his crimes.
There once was a time when people wore "Free Poland" buttons. And now it's degenerated into morons sporting "Free Polanski" buttons? Thank goodness there's an "X" on the button in the picture.
I think he should pay for his crime, period.
–Mark Trahan
Former Circus Performer and Instructor
Ron Smorynski
indie CG film maker
http://www.worldofgrim.com
Only Hollywood credit, got my first novel optioned by Fox many moons ago.
But IMO Polanski is sleeze, and should be brought back if only to be publicly shamed along with these morally vacant celebutards that are defending him.
S Andrew Swann
novelist
GAP, Guitarist.
Nobody's talent, fame, or past sufferings put them above the law. It is long past time that Roman Polanski faced justice for the crime he has admitted to and been convicted of.
Bob Gale
Screenwriter, Producer, Director…and father of a daughter.
I hope he gets put in prison and gets sodomized by a very large inmate. No drugs though, Polanski must feel every bit of pain when he gets penetrated. I mean, it's not like I'm asking for prison rape-rape, just prison rape.
Novelist and Screenwriter
Feelings of compassion and identification are not the same thing as a moral compass – in fact, sometimes they point in opposite directions. We can admire Roman Polanski's work; we can sympathize with his suffering; we can acknowledge he is, as Joseph Conrad would've said, "one of us." He also raped a child and fled justice. He has to face the law.
As a former undertaker, I produced some very dramatic productions.
I will gladly return to my former vocation in order to embalm this guy. Do I have to wait until he is dead?
Tim Trahan
Louisiana
Paula Graves, novelist
I've been waiting for Polanski to be returned to face justice for years.
I am a former Funeral director embalmer too.
I wondered if there wasn't a superhero origin story in an embalming fluid/cremation accident
but Alas, Polanski ain't it
Scott Peters, Stockbroker and Uncle to two very beautiful and very innocent neices. I want to keep it that way for the rest of their childhood.
Most credits are either Talent Associate or Red Carpet Coordinator on award shows.
Rape is rape any way you slice it and it is time for Mr. Polanski to pay for his crime.
Bella White (pseudonym), Casting Director
Roman Polanski, convicted of the crime of child rape, should return to the US and face sentencing for this crime, and for the crime of being a fugitive of justice for more than 30 years.
Nalora Burns
Would-be Screenwriter (if Hollywood would make more than unneeded and poor remakes of classic movies, or yet another skank-ho-wannabe reality show)
Father of two girls…
I love you and your gorgeous wife! Thank You!
And you, sir, deserve to work much much more!
My Grampa was in a John Wayne film.
Bill Ramsic – actor, writer, director.
Justice is only justice when it is blind to the personalities of the principles. All brought before the law must stand in the same esteem, or there is no justice and no law.
SAG Member, Lee Wayne Ryder.
I support and demand the incarceration of Polanski for Child rape and an additional, Mandatory (as per US Law) 5 years for ESCAPE and illegal flight to avoid prosecution.
Roman Polanski should stand trial. He is not above the law.
Wow! Not one A-list name…shame on you hollywood. I know there are A-list men and women in Hollywood that love their children yet they are scared. Of what? Of whom? People can't disagree about an admitted child sodomite (yep it's an accurate statement per the grand jury testimony)?? Wow! What group-think and what chickens! I will pray that someone at Fox sends a camera to each of you as you are in public to see if you will say something. C'mon guys…show some guts.
Leigh Scott
Writer/Producer/Director
Nathan Ballein – Bass Player, Stickist, Guitarist, Composer, and Parent to 2 of my own and countless others by being a foster parent.
Mark Stoddard — Actor
Heather Lawver, former Writer & Producer, documentaries & childrens television.
Bring that creep to justice!
Thank you! I think that is terrible to that your ability to work would be affected by you refusing to support a pedophile! I and MANY others will support all actors/directors/etc who sign up against the scum – and will stop supporting those who do.
From a stay-at-home-mom with three kids
Jeffrey Quick, composer
I don't do film scores, and now I probably never will.
Freelance TV writer-producer
Janine Cosgrove
Writer, Comedian
I am outraged and nauseated by these Hollywood bastards defending Roman Polanski. For shame to suggest that under some circumstances, sex with children is excusable, mabye even the child's own fault.
Paul Cosgrove
Editor, parent
Barret Swatek
Actress
Trent Dean, music business vet
It's tough enough to spend money on a theater movie or DVD knowing some of it will go to a Hollywood low life, so I choose carefully and realize some good people get it too. I'd like to see some real change in Hollywood, like back to the days when it actually supported liberty, justice and the "real' American way. Right now, it makes me sick.
No means no! Polanski must face the music.
Thomas LaBelle – musician and songwriter.
Roman Polanski should be brought to justice.
Wes Johnson
Freelance Writer, Blogger
some producer and screenwriter experience.
film critic for over 35 years.
ron cole.
and annie starr
Every single one of the people who have signed are now on my A-list , and I thank them very much for taking the initiative to speak up.
Rape is rape.
Joshua M Young, short fiction author.
I'd sign the petition, but I'd be blacklisted for being against child rape. There's nothing worse in Hollywood than being known as a buzz-killer. Child rape: the new Communism.
As a fan of some of Roman Polanski's films, I agree that he should finally face justice for the heinous crime he committed. Creative talent is not a "Get Out of Jail Free" card.
Gary Blumenstein
Freelance Writer, Creative Director…and Father
As with others on this petition, I am first and foremost a proud father of three. Two boys and a girl.
I am outraged by the lack of any moral conscience by many of those creative individuals who choose to stand by the child rapist/criminal/artist Roman Polanski.
I believe things happen in life for a reason. It is my sincere hope, this event will serve as an opportunity for good, decent, men and women in the creative community whether it be Hollywood, New York or any other place on to planet to speak out. Raise your voice in solidarity today.
James Arone
Screen Actors Guild (1977)
Why is anyone even having a discussion about this? Put him in jail. I'm sure he'd fit in with the other anal rape specialists there.
B R
Media – Legal Affairs
Here's a petition that anyone can sign.
http://thenewagenda.net/2009/10/01/because-i-was-...
And also an organized boycott….
Carrie Feigel – Creative Consultant credits- Barbie animated movies, aunt of two beautiful girls, formerly a little girl myself.
Each year, over a million children are exploited in the global commercial sex slave trade. Hollywood sets an example for the world. Protect Polanski and condone the rape and abuse of all children.
Somaly.org
Susan Gaspar – pseudonym
actress and singer
How many of the Hollywood apologists would like to have the same thing happen to their 13-year-old?
I needed to get this going. Please read.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/sexcrimes101/
Andrea Wilde
Wild Germ Productions
entertainment, political and news blogger
renovomedia.com
bittenandbound.com
hollywoodcrap.com
Verna Harvey: Former actress and film/TV development exec; also member of BAFTA LA
There is no way Polanski should be allowed to evade justice for this disgusting and violent assault on a minor. I don;t care who he is or when the even took place. I was a young actress in England and I am only too aware of predators in the entertainment industry who take advantage of children. Not only would it be a failure of the justice system to forgive Polanski for these reprehensible acts, but it will grant permission for other sickos to follow his example, and send out a loud and clear message that we do not not take these crimes seriously. This petition should just the first step in coming down hard, very hard, on the entertainment industry for shining on the abuse of vulnerable kids and young adults. Enough is enough.
Verna Harvey: Former actress and film/TV development exec; also member of BAFTA LA
There is no way Polanski should be allowed to evade justice for this disgusting and violent assault on a minor. I don't care who he is or when the even took place. I was a young actress in England and I am only too aware of predators in the entertainment industry who take advantage of children. Not only would it be a failure of the justice system to forgive Polanski for these reprehensible acts, but it will grant permission for other sickos to follow his example, and send out a loud and clear message that we do not not take these crimes seriously. This petition should just the first step in coming down hard, very hard, on the entertainment industry for shining on the abuse of vulnerable kids and young adults. Enough is enough.
Verna Harvey: Former actress and film/TV development exec; also member of BAFTA LA
There is no way Polanski should be allowed to evade justice for this disgusting and violent assault on a minor. I don't care who he is, or when the event took place. I was a young actress in England and I am only too aware of predators in the entertainment industry who take advantage of children. Not only would it be a failure of the justice system to forgive Polanski for these reprehensible acts, but it will grant permission for other sickos to follow his example, and send out a loud and clear message that we do not not take these crimes seriously. This petition should just the first step in coming down hard, very hard, on the entertainment industry for shining on the abuse of vulnerable kids and young adults. Enough is enough.
I'm a writer here in West Hollywood, and I want the guy put in jail for at least a few years. It's not just the crime he committed 30-some years ago. It's also the ongoing crime of ducking and thumbing his nose at our justice system. From my POV, every day he spent outside the U.S. added to his culpability.
Alec McElroy
New Media, Sony Pictures Entertainment (…and occasional producer/writer)
I agree, we pay the money to watch these people. Polanski should ROT in jail!
[...] Sign the Roman Polanski counter-petition. [...]
My sister was brutally raped in college – she wasn't 13, she was 18. I find it disgraceful that people like Peg Yorkin and Whoppi Goldberg — supposed 'feminists' — are trying to mitigate the heinousness of Mr. Polanski's crime against this child. The opinions of Hollywood people who excuse and defend rape not only offend the cause of justice, they piss on the pain of all rape victims and their families who have suffered so much.
Very shameful and sad. I am stunned at this new low hit by Hollywood.
Camryn Thomas
Blogger, TV Writer's Assistant
Roman Polanski should be brought to the U.S. to face justice. Nothing more. Nothing less.
James Holt, Visual Effects Artist/Digital Compositor – CBSD, CBS Corporation
Semper Fi!
There are a few decent people in Hollywood who have never been afraid to speak out.
Craig T Nelson, Stephen Balwin, Jon Voight, Chuck Norris, Denzel Washington, Kirk Cameron, Patrica Heaton, Tyler Perry, Kristin Chenoweth, Ralph Winter, Angela Bassat, Martha Williamson,
Philip Anschutz , Howard Kazanjian , Scott Derrickson, Miley Cyrus, The Jonas brothers, Sherri Shepherd, to name a few.
I hope they stand up for what is right on this issue. I will be waching to see if they do.
Roman Polanski should be brought back to the USA for his sentencing. He has already plead guilty.
Hans Washburn
Owner, HDW Audio
Studio grade tube and ribbon microphones
YAY!!! We can all enjoy Clerks!
<hugs copy of Clerks and Dogma>
*MissQuinn*
I don't think they got the story right…
Dan Rather
Ex-anchor CBS News
I agree! These are A-list for me, too!
I applaud you for having ethics and "signing" this petition! I pray that it wont affect you negatively.
????
Congratulations on standing up for what's right! : ) We promise to go to your next movie. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1970374/
You're the bomb! Love you on PJTV! Keep speaking the truth! We hear you!!!
Thanks….Go Cards
That's right! We are the ones to say who is A-list and I'd say these folks (most of whom you can find on IMDB.com) are stepping right onto mine for sure!!!
Thanks. I've always had a soft spot for "1941."
Thank you ever so much! I salute you!
Mr. Bernero: I know your work and am a huge fan of Criminal Minds and Third Watch. You have just moved up in my eyes as a man with a conscience and the backbone to stand with righteousness and not go along to get along. I am a female, a veteran of 2 wars now and a lover of entertainment and I had all but lost any hope that there were more than a few of your ilk still in that 'biz'. Thank you for signing this petition and for openly stating what every decent human being should be stating. Period! Stand firm, we stand behind you and any in that industry that will stand up and be counted! Bless you!
I have been a major Hollywood funder for four decades. The man must face the music for his terrible actions on that day. Read the court testimony from the original hearing and you'll agree that he should have been rounded up 30 years ago. He's been laughing at the American judicial system for all that time.
We'll all go to your next movie, promise!
LOL! Love it!
My Dad probably played that film in one of his theatres! Kudos to your Grandfather!
author, member of the WGA, and a former FBI undercover pedophile
Don't give up, my friend. I'm sure there are still a bunch of good projects out there. And I'm guessing you really have to dig for 'em! LOL
Include me in!
Author, Hollywood! Must Be Destroyed and The Lies That Blind, as well as father of three daughters.
Dittos on the two previous replies!
Mr. Bernero, thank you for stating so eloquently how the connected should not be above the law. Only people of substance have the courage to stand up to an industry rife with corruption and to call an Emperor naked. I'm going to look up your work as your heart has an honorable rythym.
Polanski needs to find out about butt the sex the prison way. Hollywood is filled with a bunch of a- moral, humanistic, degenerates. Is it any wonder they defend him? You defend what you are, or what you agree with. I wonder how many secret unknown pedophiles in hollywood are defending him? Well, there's woody allen. How many of them agree with kid rape, or have raped a minor, or raped anyone for that matter? The secrets of hollywood. God knows them, and he does not forget. God should flush hollywood for the giant turd it really is. Clean it up old testament style. Can I get an amen?
It's ironic how the very people who so desperately wish that Polanski be commemorated for certain actions wish just as fervently that he be ignored for others.
-EHV, Pianist & Harpsichordist
Amen brother!
Polanski should be given the opportunity (in jail) to have the same experience he put this 13 year old victim through, without the drugs and liquor. Being the unrepentant monster and coward he is, this would probably be the closest thing to justice that could be dealt him. If he is ever released, his US citizenship should be taken away and he should then be deported.
As for Hollywood, it is reprehensible that anyone would support his release or have any sympathy for him in this matter. They should be boycotted and ignored for the rest of their careers and lives.
Thank you for your contribution, Mr. Bernero. You couldn't be more spot on. Enough is enough.
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