Counsel for Plaintiffs Condemn Court Ruling Allowing Continued Depiction of Minors in Sexually Exploitative Scenes in Paramount Film “Romeo and Juliet”
Los Angeles, May 25, 2023 – Solomon Gresen, counsel for actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were minor children under 18 years of age when they starred in Paramount’s film “Romeo and Juliet,” strongly denounced today’s decision from the Los Angeles Superior Court dismissing a lawsuit filed on their behalf. The film was directed by Franco Zeffirelli and depicted the two minors in sexually explicit and graphic scenes and images. Mr. Gresen argued to the Court that images of child pornography are not protected under First Amendment rights and are illegal contraband under federal law.
Federal law explicitly criminalizes the production of child pornography in foreign countries if the material is imported into the United States or intended to be imported. Mr. Gresen emphasized that no minor can consent to engage in sexually explicit conduct.
Both state and federal laws are designed to eradicate the market for sexually explicit materials featuring children. These laws treat producers of child pornography as child abusers, regardless of whether the material is deemed obscene. The harm inflicted upon a child increases exponentially when images of the sexual abuse are widely disseminated and traded rather than used solely for the producer’s gratification, Mr. Gresen emphasized.
Mr. Gresen stated that his team and clients were gratified that the Superior Court excluded all causes of action from its ruling based on the 2023 rerelease of “Romeo and Juliet.” Mr. Gresen intends to file these claims in Federal Court within a few weeks. “We firmly believe that the exploitation and sexualization of minors in the film industry must be confronted and legally addressed to protect vulnerable individuals from harm and ensure the enforcement of existing laws,” Mr. Gresen concluded. Along with Mr. Gresen, entertainment attorney Arnold Peter represent Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting in their claims.
Media Contact:
Solomon E. Gresen, Esq.
16200 Ventura Boulevard
Suite 216
Encino, CA 91436
Tel. 818.615.2727
seg@rglawyers.com
Arnold P. Peter, Attorney at Law
Office: (310) 432-0500 or Cell: (213) 379-0296