"Roman Polanski's Defamation Trial Commences in Paris"

Film director Roman Polanski is facing a defamation trial in Paris brought by British actress Charlotte Lewis, who accused him of sexually assaulting her in 1983. Polanski, who fled the US in 1978 after admitting to having sex with a minor, denies the claims. The lawsuit stems from Polanski's 2019 interview with Paris Match, where he called Lewis's allegations a "heinous lie." The trial is set to proceed without Polanski's presence, as he resides in Paris and will be represented by his legal team.