Morning Links: Polanski files for dismissal of 1978 charge

Roman Polanski , who has been a fugitive in exile since 1978, has reportedly filed for dismissal of the 1975 child-sex charges. E!Online says that the Oscar-winning actor has filed papers asking that the "unlawful intercourse with a minor" charge be dismissed, which would allow him to return to the United States.

Polanski's lawyers say that there was "misconduct and improper communications" between the L.A. District Attorney's Office and the Superior Court hearing the case. A recent documentary on the case revealed this "new evidence."

Polanski pleaded guilty to the charge in 1978, but was afraid that the judge would not follow through with his promise to not send him to prison, so he fled the U.S. for Europe. Polanski continues to make films, including "The Pianist," for which he won an Academy Award in 2002.

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Actor Dylan McDermott has finalized his divorce from his wife of 13 years, Shiva Rose. McDermott played a lawyer on The Practice, and even acted as his own attorney in the divorce proceedings. The couple was married in 1995, and have to daughters. No official word on custody.

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Patrick Swayze is snapping back at the tabloids who are spreading lies, he says, about his health. Swayze says he is upset that the tabloids are reporting that he is on his last legs and saying goodbye to family members. Swayze says he is "winning" his fight against pancreatic cancer, and that he is enjoying working on his new television series.

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William Balfour was officially charged yesterday in the triple-homicide of Jennifer Hudson's family. Balfour was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of home invasion. Balfour is accused of killing Hudson's mother, brother and nephew in October.

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Gary Coleman has pleaded 'no contest' in relation to the fight at a Utah bowling alley back in September. The plea covers charges of disorderly conduct and reckless driving, both misdemeanors. The fight started when the victim began taking photos of Coleman and his wife, against Coleman's wishes.

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The Disney Channel has ordered more episodes of Hannah Montana, the Miley Cyrus show that is currently in its fourth season. Despite rumors that she is ready to move on from the show, Cyrus said in September that she is committed to the show as long as Disney wants it.

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The ratings are in for Britney's interview on MTV Sunday night. She may have been a hit in the UK, but people here weren't as interested. Her confessional special averaged only 3.7 million viewers, which was a large audience for MTV on a Sunday night, but a small audience compared to other past Spears appearances.

-- Dave Valenzuela