Actress Charlotte Lewis claims Roman Polanski sexually abused her at 16; Gloria Allred steps in

British actress Charlotte Lewis has just come forward claiming director Roman Polanski abused her over 25 years ago -- and Gloria Allred, taking a quick breather from defending the rights of Hollywood's mistresses, is making it her duty to claim justice for the alleged victim.

Allred held a press conference around 10:45 a.m. PT Friday (May 14) with Lewis by her side. Lewis, who worked with Polanski in the 1986 movie "Pirates" when she was 16, claims the director knew her age when he sexually abused her.

Allred, who explained Polanski's behavior as "sexually predatory conduct," explained that the sexual abuse occurred four years after Polanski fled the U.S. in 1978 after pleading guilty to unlawful sex with a minor.

After Allred spoke, Lewis stated that Polanski "sexually abused me in the worst possible way when I was 16-years-old."

She said the alleged sexual misconduct happened when she was in Paris, where he "forced himself" upon her. "He took advantage of me, and I have lived with the effects of his behavior ever since it occurred," said Lewis. "I've traveled to the U.S. at my own expense to make sure that justice is finally done and that Mr. Polanski gets what he deserves."

The age of consent in France is 15, but Allred says that is irrelevant.

Allred also stated that Lewis was afraid to come forward at the time, but that she is now "ready to testify under oath if necessary."

Lewis and Allred met with L.A. County Deputy D.A. David Walgren late yesterday and made the allegations, according to TMZ. No word yet if Lewis' claims will be used for the extradition or sentencing case involving Polanski.

Allred reiterated Lewis' purpose in coming forward now by stating that she wants him to "come back to the U.S., face the courts and be sentenced."

"All I want is justice," says Lewis.