Renowned filmmaker Roman Polanski is set to face trial in Paris today over accusations of defaming British actor Charlotte Lewis. The 90-year-old director allegedly referred to Lewis' sexual assault allegations against him as a "heinous lie" during an interview with Paris Match magazine in 2019. Lewis, known for her appearance in Polanski's 1986 film Pirates, filed the defamation claim against him.

The controversy dates back to 2010 when Lewis accused Polanski of sexually assaulting her in Paris in 1983 when she was just 16 years old. Denying the allegations during the 2019 interview, Polanski reportedly cited a quote attributed to Lewis from a 1999 interview with News of the World, in which she supposedly stated, "I wanted to be his mistress (...) I probably desired him more than he did me." Lewis disputed the accuracy of the quote, leading her to pursue legal action.

Polanski's legal team has denied the allegations of defamation, asserting that he has the right to publicly defend himself in the face of accusations. Lawyer Delphine Meillet stated, "Roman Polanski has the right to defend himself publicly, on the same basis as the person accusing him."

The filmmaker, best known for his works such as The Pianist, Chinatown, and Rosemary's Baby, remains a controversial figure in the industry and beyond. In 1977, he was arrested and charged with drugging and raping a 13-year-old girl. Polanski pleaded guilty at the time to the lesser charge of unlawful sex with a minor. However, upon learning that the judge intended to reject his plea deal and impose a prison sentence instead of probation, he fled to Paris, making him a fugitive from the United States.

Polanski is not expected to appear in court for the trial in Paris. The proceedings will focus on the alleged defamation by the filmmaker against Charlotte Lewis. The outcome of the trial will not only determine the legal ramifications for Polanski but also add another chapter to the ongoing controversies surrounding the celebrated director.