Roman Polanski overwhelmed by messages of support

Movie director Roman Polanski said yesterday he was overwhelmed by messages of support as he battles extradition to the United States to face a decades-old sex case involving a 13-year-old girl.

"In the darkest moments, each of their notes has been a source of comfort and hope, and they continue to be so in my current situation," wrote Polanski in a letter released online.

The 76-year-old Oscar winner made his first public statement since his arrest in September in a letter to French intellectual Bernard-Henri Levy, who has been one of his strongest supporters.

The director of "Rosemary's Baby" and "The Pianist" is living under house arrest at his chalet in the Swiss Alpine resort of Gstaad after being released on bail.

Swiss authorities have said a decision on his extradition to the United States is expected soon.

"I have been overwhelmed by the number of messages of support and sympathy I have received," Polanski said.


/NY Daily News/