Mr. Polanski applied to give his evidence at trial by video conference link from France to avoid the risk of being arrested and extradited to the USA. In the United States Roman Polanski had pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a 13 year old girl in 1977. Since 1978 he has resided in France from which he cannot be extradited as he is a French citizen.
It will be the first time a libel claimant has given evidence at trial via video link. Actress Mia Farrow is expected to be called as a witness, along with Debra Tate, the sister of Mr. Polanski's first wife Sharon Tate.
Most of Polanski's films are considered psychological thrillers. His feature film directorial debut was Knife in the Water, which won the Critics' Prize at the Venice International Film Festival, was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Foreign-Language Film, and made the cover of Time.
Mr. Polanski now lives in Paris with his wife, actress Emmanuelle Seigner.
