On September 29, 2009, director Roman Polanski was arrested at Zurich Airport in connection with an outstanding warrant in the United States. Thirty-one years before he had been charged with the rape of a thirteen-year-old girl. He eventually pled guilty to the lesser charge of unlawful sex with a minor, but fled the country prior to his sentencing before a judge. He had been a fugitive from justice ever since.

In the immediate aftermath of Polanski's arrest, a petition appeared featuring the names of prominent figures from the American and French film industries, including Martin Scorsese and Woody Allen. This petition demanded the immediate release of Mr. Polanski. In the wake of this petition, a number of media outlets claimed that all of Hollywood was united in demanding Mr. Polanski's release.

Not true. This petition does not speak for us, or for Hollywood as a whole.

The rape of a child is a crime. The passage of thirty-one years does not ameliorate its seriousness. If there are mitigating circumstances in the case, as Polanski's defenders claim, then they should be taken into consideration. Roman Polanski should be granted a fair hearing in an open courtroom, before an impartial judge. But Mr. Polanski must face justice. No one is above the law.

We, as writers, directors, actors, producers, agents, executives, journalists, publicists, and crew, believe that justice should be allowed, at long last, to run its course.