The Latest: Academy stands by decision to expel Polanski

The Latest on Roman Polanski asking a court to reinstate his film academy membership (all times local):

3:45 p.m.

The film academy is standing behind its decision to expel director Roman Polanski, who has asked a court to reinstate him.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization behind the Oscars, said in a statement Friday that "the procedures taken to expel Mr. Polanski were fair and reasonable."

Earlier Friday, lawyers for the 85-year-old Polanski filed papers in Los Angeles Superior Court asking that a judge restore his membership because he was not given a fair chance to make his case to the academy.

The Academy says it "stands behind its decision as appropriate."

Polanski was expelled from the academy in May over sexual misconduct.

He fled the U.S. for Europe more than 40 years ago after pleading guilty to unlawful sex with a minor.

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1:20 p.m.

Roman Polanski is asking a judge to restore his membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences after he was expelled for misconduct last year.

Lawyers for the 85-year-old director filed documents Friday requesting that a court compel the academy to make him a member in good standing again.

Nearly a year ago, the organization made the rare move of expelling Polanski and Bill Cosby. The academy then rejected Polanski's appeal of the decision. Friday's filing says that by not allowing Polanski and his lawyer to argue his case in person, the academy violated its own rules.

The academy didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

Polanski has been a fugitive for more than 40 years. He fled the U.S. after pleading guilty to unlawful sex with a minor.