Roman Polanski, targeted by charges of rape, announced Friday that he would not attend the general assembly of the Caesar on Tuesday, an institution in the midst of a crisis of which he remained a member to the chagrin of feminists.
“
Although animated by a deep respect for the work of the Academy of Caesar and its 182 members, Roman Polanski never attended the meetings of the general assembly and does not intend to do so at the same time. 'future
', told AFP the entourage of the 87-year-old director in a press release.
To read also: Academy of Caesar: Polanski in the new general assembly, the controversy resumes
“
Likewise, he never intervened in any way in the decisions of the Association and its members,
” he said.
Roman Polanski is one of the 182 members of the new general assembly of the Académie des César, which is due to meet on Tuesday and attempt to put an end to the criticisms of his self-esteem and his lack of parity, by electing a new board of directors with a woman-man tandem as president.
"Historical member"
The director, 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
Le Pianiste
in 2003.
The former boss of the Caesar, the director Alain Terzian, at the head for 17 years of this institution criticized for its opacity and its lack of internal democracy, is also one of the 18 "historical members" who chose despite everything to remain in the new structure.
To read also: Alain Terzian: "At the Caesar, I was murdered with incredible violence"
In an interview with
Figaro on
Friday, Alain Terzian, however, assured that he was not a candidate for “
any position
” and had “
turned the page
” after his resignation, as well as that of all the old management, in February.
The institution was then in full storm and the crisis had peaked a few days later with 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.