Taking Names: Woman in Polanski scandal has deal for writing memoir

The former teen with whom Roman Polanski was convicted of having sex — leading to one of Hollywood’s most notorious scandals and the director’s flight from the U.S. — is writing a memoir.

Samantha Geimer, 47, has a deal with Atria Books for “The Girl: Emerging From the Shadow of Roman Polanski.” Atria, a Simon & Schuster imprint, announced Tuesday that the book will come out next fall. According to Atria, Ms. Geimer will provide “insight into many dimensions of the story that have never previously been revealed.”

“I am more than ‘Sex Victim Girl,’ a tag the media pinned on me,” said Ms. Geimer, who long ago identified herself as Mr. Polanski’s victim, in a statement released through Atria. “My friends in junior high, scolded by their parents to stay away from that girl, also labeled me. I offer my story now without rage, but with purpose — to share a tale that in its detail will reclaim my identity. I have been dogged by tired thinking and easy tags nearly my entire life. I am not a stick figure. I know what it is like to be a woman and a victim in the realest possible way.”

Financial terms were not disclosed. Ms. Geimer’s attorney, Lawrence Silver, will contribute to the book, giving “his insights on the many fascinating and even shocking legal aspects of the story.”

Ansel Adams collection is gifted to N.Y. college

Enlarge Photo

** FILE ** In this file image originally provided by United Feature ... more >

A small New York college has been given a rare collection of 75 signed Ansel Adams photographs, selected as a set by the artist himself, the college announced Tuesday.

Among the images is the famous “Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico” as well as several well-known scenes of Yosemite National Park and photographs of artist Georgia O'Keeffe and photographer Alfred Stieglitz, Associated Press reports.

The College of New Rochelle said the gift, worth $2.5 million, is from Caryl Horwitz, former director of its graduate art department. Her late husband acquired the collection in the 1980s.

The 75 photographs make up what is known as Adams’ Museum Set Edition of Fine Prints, a selection he made beginning in the late 1970s. He created several museum sets before his death in 1984.

College President Judith Huntington called the donation “a profound compliment” to the 109-year-old school, which has a picturesque campus in New Rochelle and five outposts in New York City. She said the college has not decided how or where to display the photographs — there are security and climate-control issues to solve — but will try to make the collection available to as many people as possible.

“We don’t want to keep it locked up,” she said. “We’ll find ways to share it.”

Rihanna, Nicki Minaj lead AMA nominations

Rihanna and Nicki Minaj are the leading nominees at the 40th annual American Music Awards with four nods each.

Christina Aguilera announced the nominations Tuesday in Los Angeles. She also said she plans to perform at the ceremony next month, Associated Press reports.

Drake, Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, One Direction and Usher earned three bids apiece. Carrie Underwood, Chris Brown, fun., Gotye, J. Cole, Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan and Pitbull are each double nominees.

Story Continues →