Jurors in Harvey Weinstein`s New York rape trial were shown naked photographs of the former Hollywood producer on Tuesday over his lawyers` objections. 
 
A sketch artist hired by Reuters saw a couple of the naked photos when they were passed to the jury and produced a drawing for the news agency. In the courtroom, prosecutors did not say why the photographs were introduced or how many were presented.

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A photographer employed by the Manhattan District Attorney`s office testified that he took the pictures in June 2018. 
 
Weinstein did not respond to reporters` questions about what he thought of jurors viewing naked photos of him. A spokesman for Weinstein declined to comment. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-harvey-weinstein-trial-accuser-breaks-down-in-court-describes-former-producer-as-pseudo-father-278430">Jessica Mann, a woman Weinstein is accused of raping,</a> testified last week about the appearance of Weinstein`s naked body.

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Weinstein, 67, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting Mann and another woman, Mimi Haleyi. He faces up to life in prison if convicted of the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault. 
 
Mann testified on Friday that when she first saw Weinstein, he had no testicles and appeared "deformed" or "intersex." The term refers to individuals with sex characteristics "that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies," according to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. 
 
On Tuesday, Weinstein`s defense objected to the photographs being introduced but did not say why. They did not address Mann`s testimony about Weinstein`s physical appearance. 
 
Reuters could not determine if prosecutors introduced the photos in an effort to corroborate Mann`s testimony. A representative for the Manhattan District Attorney`s office declined to comment. 
 
The trial is a watershed moment for the #MeToo movement, in which women have gone public with allegations against powerful men in business and politics. 
 
Since 2017, more than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. Weinstein, whose films included "The English Patient" and "Shakespeare in Love," has denied the allegations and has said any sexual encounters were consensual. 
 
Weinstein is charged with raping Mann in March 2013. Mann testified that the alleged rape happened in the course of an "extremely degrading" relationship with Weinstein that lasted for years. Weinstein`s lawyer Donna Rotunno pressed her over three days of cross examination about that relationship. 
 
"I know the history of my relationship with him," Mann said on Tuesday. "I know it was complicated and difficult. That doesn’t change the fact that he raped me." 
 
Rotunno asked that the answer be stricken, but Justice James Burke denied the request. 
 
Mann`s testimony on Monday had been cut short after she began weeping uncontrollably as she read aloud an email she wrote in 2014 describing Weinstein as a "pseudo father." 
 
FOCUS ON EMAILS 
 
On Tuesday, Rotunno focused on Mann`s email correspondence with him following the alleged attack. 
 
In one email in 2013, Mann told Weinstein she had just been through a breakup and was hoping to have dinner with him. 
 
In another email, sent in 2014, Mann asked Weinstein for a referral so she could get a membership at the Soho House, an exclusive club. 
 
In another, she told Weinstein, "I love you, always do. But I hate feeling like a booty call." 
 
Prosecutors are expected to rest their case later this week.

Jurors in Harvey Weinstein`s New York rape trial were shown naked photographs of the former Hollywood producer on Tuesday over his lawyers` objections. A sketch artist hired by Reuters saw a couple of the naked photos when they were passed to the jury and produced a drawing for the news agency.

Jurors in Harvey Weinstein`s New York rape trial were shown naked photographs of the former Hollywood producer on Tuesday over his lawyers` objections. A sketch artist hired by Reuters saw a couple of the naked photos when they were passed to the jury and produced a drawing for the news agency. In the courtroom, prosecutors did not say why the photographs were introduced or how many were presented. A photographer employed by the Manhattan District Attorney`s office testified that he took the pictures in June 2018. Weinstein did not respond to reporters` questions about what he thought of jurors viewing naked photos of him. A spokesman for Weinstein declined to comment. Jessica Mann, a woman Weinstein is accused of raping, testified last week about the appearance of Weinstein`s naked body. Weinstein, 67, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting Mann and another woman, Mimi Haleyi. He faces up to life in prison if convicted of the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault. Mann testified on Friday that when she first saw Weinstein, he had no testicles and appeared "deformed" or "intersex." The term refers to individuals with sex characteristics "that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies," according to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. On Tuesday, Weinstein`s defense objected to the photographs being introduced but did not say why. They did not address Mann`s testimony about Weinstein`s physical appearance. Reuters could not determine if prosecutors introduced the photos in an effort to corroborate Mann`s testimony. A representative for the Manhattan District Attorney`s office declined to comment. The trial is a watershed moment for the #MeToo movement, in which women have gone public with allegations against powerful men in business and politics. Since 2017, more than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. Weinstein, whose films included "The English Patient" and "Shakespeare in Love," has denied the allegations and has said any sexual encounters were consensual. Weinstein is charged with raping Mann in March 2013. Mann testified that the alleged rape happened in the course of an "extremely degrading" relationship with Weinstein that lasted for years. Weinstein`s lawyer Donna Rotunno pressed her over three days of cross examination about that relationship. "I know the history of my relationship with him," Mann said on Tuesday. "I know it was complicated and difficult. That doesn’t change the fact that he raped me." Rotunno asked that the answer be stricken, but Justice James Burke denied the request. Mann`s testimony on Monday had been cut short after she began weeping uncontrollably as she read aloud an email she wrote in 2014 describing Weinstein as a "pseudo father." FOCUS ON EMAILS On Tuesday, Rotunno focused on Mann`s email correspondence with him following the alleged attack. In one email in 2013, Mann told Weinstein she had just been through a breakup and was hoping to have dinner with him. In another email, sent in 2014, Mann asked Weinstein for a referral so she could get a membership at the Soho House, an exclusive club. In another, she told Weinstein, "I love you, always do. But I hate feeling like a booty call." Prosecutors are expected to rest their case later this week.

Harvey Weinstein trial: New York jurors shown naked photos of former producer

A woman who has alleged that Harvey Weinstein raped her broke down in sobs at the former Hollywood producer`s sexual assault trial on Monday, as she read an email in which she described Weinstein as a "pseudo father" figure after the alleged attack. 
 
Jessica Mann, 34, began weeping uncontrollably as she read the May 2014 email aloud under cross-examination by one of Weinstein`s lawyers, Donna Rotunno. She was still crying after a brief break, prompting Justice James Burke to end testimony for the day. 
 
Mann had testified Friday that Weinstein raped her in a Manhattan hotel room in March 2013, early in what she described as an "extremely degrading" relationship with him. She said the relationship continued in some form for years after that.

<img alt="h" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cd3ad52e-662a-4533-81d8-b2603bd84a34" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-04T093653.284.jpg" /> 
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An artist's interpretation of the ongoing trial. (via Reuters) 
 
The 67-year-old former producer has pleaded not guilty to raping Mann and to sexually assaulting another woman, Mimi Haleyi. He faces life in prison if found guilty of predatory sexual assault, the most serious charge. 
 
Mann wrote in the email to an actor she had been dating at the time that she was working through "father issues" when she was with Weinstein. 
 
"Harvey was my father`s age and he gave me all the validation I needed," she wrote.&nbsp;Mann is expected to be cross-examined further on Tuesday.

Since 2017, more than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. Weinstein, whose films included 'The English Patient' and 'Shakespeare in Love,' has denied the allegations and has said any sexual encounters were consensual. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-must-tread-carefully-in-rape-trial-defense-experts-say-275846">The trial is widely seen as a milestone</a> in the #MeToo movement, in which women have accused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-rape-trial-opens-with-clashing-portrayals-of-ex-hollywood-producer-276019">powerful men in business, </a>entertainment, media, and politics of sexual misconduct. 
 
Earlier in Mann`s cross-examination, Rotunno repeatedly suggested that Mann willingly had sex with Weinstein to advance her career. At one point she asked whether Mann "manipulated" Weinstein when she sent him friendly messages and asked to see him, even though she was not attracted to him. 
 
"How I handled it to survive and process it, yeah, I guess you could say manipulation," Mann answered. 
 
Rotunno also questioned Mann about the day of the alleged rape, quoting testimony she gave on Friday in which she said her "worst nightmare" would be for her friend and her agent to see her coming out of a hotel room with Weinstein. 
 
"Your worst nightmare, Jessica, in your words, was not the fact that you had just been taken against your will in a hotel," Rotunno said. "Your words."&nbsp; 
 
"Abuse is embarrassing, so yeah," Mann said. 
 
Rotunno went on to show Mann friendly emails she sent Weinstein after the alleged rape, including one in which she gave him her new contact information and said she would be "happy to see your smile." 
 
Mann said she sent Weinstein flattering messages to avoid making him angry and show she was "not a threat."

A woman who has alleged that Harvey Weinstein raped her broke down in sobs at the former Hollywood producer`s sexual assault trial on Monday, as she read an email in which she described Weinstein as a "pseudo father" figure after the alleged attack.

A woman who has alleged that Harvey Weinstein raped her broke down in sobs at the former Hollywood producer`s sexual assault trial on Monday, as she read an email in which she described Weinstein as a "pseudo father" figure after the alleged attack. Jessica Mann, 34, began weeping uncontrollably as she read the May 2014 email aloud under cross-examination by one of Weinstein`s lawyers, Donna Rotunno. She was still crying after a brief break, prompting Justice James Burke to end testimony for the day. Mann had testified Friday that Weinstein raped her in a Manhattan hotel room in March 2013, early in what she described as an "extremely degrading" relationship with him. She said the relationship continued in some form for years after that. An artist's interpretation of the ongoing trial. (via Reuters) The 67-year-old former producer has pleaded not guilty to raping Mann and to sexually assaulting another woman, Mimi Haleyi. He faces life in prison if found guilty of predatory sexual assault, the most serious charge. Mann wrote in the email to an actor she had been dating at the time that she was working through "father issues" when she was with Weinstein. "Harvey was my father`s age and he gave me all the validation I needed," she wrote. Mann is expected to be cross-examined further on Tuesday. Since 2017, more than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. Weinstein, whose films included 'The English Patient' and 'Shakespeare in Love,' has denied the allegations and has said any sexual encounters were consensual. The trial is widely seen as a milestone in the #MeToo movement, in which women have accused powerful men in business, entertainment, media, and politics of sexual misconduct. Earlier in Mann`s cross-examination, Rotunno repeatedly suggested that Mann willingly had sex with Weinstein to advance her career. At one point she asked whether Mann "manipulated" Weinstein when she sent him friendly messages and asked to see him, even though she was not attracted to him. "How I handled it to survive and process it, yeah, I guess you could say manipulation," Mann answered. Rotunno also questioned Mann about the day of the alleged rape, quoting testimony she gave on Friday in which she said her "worst nightmare" would be for her friend and her agent to see her coming out of a hotel room with Weinstein. "Your worst nightmare, Jessica, in your words, was not the fact that you had just been taken against your will in a hotel," Rotunno said. "Your words." "Abuse is embarrassing, so yeah," Mann said. Rotunno went on to show Mann friendly emails she sent Weinstein after the alleged rape, including one in which she gave him her new contact information and said she would be "happy to see your smile." Mann said she sent Weinstein flattering messages to avoid making him angry and show she was "not a threat."

Harvey Weinstein trial: Accuser breaks down in court, describes former producer as 'pseudo father'

Harvey Weinstein has now asked a New York state appeals court to delay his rape trial. He also wants it to be moved out of Manhattan.

The former media mogul is currently undergoing trial for alleged rape, levied by more than one woman. This news comes a day before the final phase of jury selection is scheduled to begin.&nbsp;

A new plea was filed by Harvey Weinstein with the Appellate Division as one of his lawyers, Arthur Aidala, said the trial should be moved because "the current venue has devolved into a carnival-like atmosphere that no potential juror can avoid." He told in his filing that the atmosphere in the city had become toxic owing to heavy press coverage on the case, the ongoing protests outside the courthouse. What adds to Harvey Weinstein’s worry is the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/gigi-hadid-among-potential-jurors-in-the-harvey-weinstein-rape-trial-274212">recent appearance of supermodel Gigi Hadid </a>who was called as a potential juror.&nbsp;

His lawyer, Arthur Aidala further said that out of 142 potential jurors who had filled out written questionnaires, 130 said they had heard of the case before. A judge on the case <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/judge-excuses-dozens-of-new-yorkers-from-serving-on-harvey-weinstein-rape-trial-jury-273075">excused&nbsp;dozens of New Yorkers from serving on Harvey Weinstein rape trial jury</a> after&nbsp;most said that&nbsp;they could not be impartial in the case.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-harvey-weinstein-40-years-journey-from-the-studio-to-the-courtroom-272139"> Also read:&nbsp;The Harvey Weinstein 40 years Journey: From the studio to the courtroom</a>

This is not the first time when Harvey Weinstein has asked the appellate court to move the trial. He had once done on the grounds that media attention would prevent him from getting a fair trial in Manhattan. The court had then rejected the same in October. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvey-weinstein-charged-with-rape-in-la-could-face-up-to-28-years-in-prison-272659">Also read:&nbsp;Harvey Weinstein charged with rape in LA; could face up to 28 years in prison</a>

Harvey had also earlier this month, the day after jury selection began on the rape trial, filed a motion for Justice James Burke to remove himself from the case. He accused the justice of bias but the judge denied that motion.

Meanwhile, Harvey Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting two women, and faces life in prison if convicted on the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault. More than 80 women have accused Harvey of various degrees of sexual assault. Harvey has denied them all saying that any sexual encounter was consensual. As the rape trial began, he was accused of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-model-in-new-case-269297">&nbsp;sexually assaulting model in new case.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-to-martin-scorsese-host-ricky-gervais-spares-no-one-at-golden-globes-272469">Also read:&nbsp;Harvey Weinstein to Martin Scorsese, host Ricky Gervais spares no one at Golden Globes</a>

Harvey Weinstein has now asked a New York state appeals court to delay his rape trial. He also wants it to be moved out of Manhattan. The former media mogul is currently undergoing trial for alleged rape, levied by more than one woman.

Harvey Weinstein has now asked a New York state appeals court to delay his rape trial. He also wants it to be moved out of Manhattan. The former media mogul is currently undergoing trial for alleged rape, levied by more than one woman. This news comes a day before the final phase of jury selection is scheduled to begin. A new plea was filed by Harvey Weinstein with the Appellate Division as one of his lawyers, Arthur Aidala, said the trial should be moved because "the current venue has devolved into a carnival-like atmosphere that no potential juror can avoid." He told in his filing that the atmosphere in the city had become toxic owing to heavy press coverage on the case, the ongoing protests outside the courthouse. What adds to Harvey Weinstein’s worry is the recent appearance of supermodel Gigi Hadid who was called as a potential juror. His lawyer, Arthur Aidala further said that out of 142 potential jurors who had filled out written questionnaires, 130 said they had heard of the case before. A judge on the case excused dozens of New Yorkers from serving on Harvey Weinstein rape trial jury after most said that they could not be impartial in the case. Also read: The Harvey Weinstein 40 years Journey: From the studio to the courtroom This is not the first time when Harvey Weinstein has asked the appellate court to move the trial. He had once done on the grounds that media attention would prevent him from getting a fair trial in Manhattan. The court had then rejected the same in October. Also read: Harvey Weinstein charged with rape in LA; could face up to 28 years in prison Harvey had also earlier this month, the day after jury selection began on the rape trial, filed a motion for Justice James Burke to remove himself from the case. He accused the justice of bias but the judge denied that motion. Meanwhile, Harvey Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting two women, and faces life in prison if convicted on the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault. More than 80 women have accused Harvey of various degrees of sexual assault. Harvey has denied them all saying that any sexual encounter was consensual. As the rape trial began, he was accused of sexually assaulting model in new case. Also read: Harvey Weinstein to Martin Scorsese, host Ricky Gervais spares no one at Golden Globes

Harvey Weinstein urges court to delay rape trial, move it out of Manhattan

Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein will face the challenge of defending himself in his rape trial as he tries to undermine his accusers` credibility without appearing callous to jurors, according to several legal experts. 
 
Still, if Weinstein`s defense team can persuade the jury that the accusers engaged in consensual sexual activity to gain an edge in the entertainment industry, that could result in an acquittal or hung jury, other experts said. All 12 jurors must agree in order for prosecutors to secure a conviction. 
 
Weinstein, 67, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting two women in New York, and faces life in prison if convicted on the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault. 
 
Weinstein has said that any sexual encounters he has had have been consensual. 
 
Donna Rotunno, Weinstein`s lead lawyer, told Reuters last month that his defense team had "a slew of witnesses ready to go," and that they would offer emails showing that his accusers had maintained friendly relationships with him after the alleged assaults. 
Rotunno did not respond to requests for comment on the defense strategy. 
 
Bennett Gershman, a former Manhattan prosecutor, said that consent would likely be the heart of Weinstein`s defense. 
 
"I think he’s going to try to show that these women were trying to ingratiate themselves with this powerful Hollywood mogul, that they were not victims, that they were willing participants in various sexual encounters," said Gershman, a former prosecutor who is now a law professor at Pace University. 
 
As many as four additional women are expected to testify for the prosecutors, who are trying to establish a consistent pattern of misconduct, according to court papers. 
 
Eric Tennen, a criminal defense lawyer in Boston who has handled sexual assault cases, said it could be difficult for Weinstein to convince a jury that several women had motive to lie about him. 
 
"That`s a hard pill to swallow," he said. 
 
Experts said the challenge is intensified by the #MeToo movement, in which numerous women have gone public with misconduct allegations against powerful men, increasing potential jurors` awareness of sexual abuse and making them more likely to believe accusers. 
 
Since 2017, more than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct dating back decades, helping to fuel the movement. 
One of the two main accusers in the case, former production assistant Mimi Haleyi, has said publicly that Weinstein forced oral sex on her in his Manhattan home in 2006. The other, who has not been identified, was raped by Weinstein in 2013, prosecutors allege. 
Daniel Hochheiser, a New York-based criminal defense lawyer who has handled sex crime cases, said the defense might call witnesses who observed the relationship between Weinstein and his accusers to bolster a defense of consent. 
 
"If there are witnesses who can testify that the behavior of the complainant after the alleged sexual assault was inconsistent with someone who had been assaulted, that could be very powerful," he said. 
 
Weinstein`s lawyers will likely try to show inconsistencies in his accusers` past statements through cross-examination, which experts said could be persuasive evidence for the defense. They will, however, have to be careful not to appear too aggressive. 
 
"If the defense lawyers are perceived as being too aggressive and challenging, it’s going to make the witnesses more sympathetic," said Daniel Medwed, a professor of criminal law at Northeastern University School of Law. 
 
Weinstein could also argue the encounters were consensual but with the passage of time the accusers` perspectives and memories of the event changed, said Tennen. 
 
Weinstein`s lawyers have said in court papers that they intend to call Deborah Davis, a psychologist and professor at the University of Nevada at Reno, to testify about how memories can be distorted. Davis said she was "still on tap" to testify and declined to comment on the case. 
 
Gershman said such testimony has been successful in cases involving alleged sexual abuse of children, who have been shown to be susceptible to false memories. 
 
Weinstein also has a right to testify in his own defense, but that is generally considered risky.

By testifying, Medwed said, Weinstein would open himself to a "broad-based character attack" about his honesty that could backfire.

Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein will face the challenge of defending himself in his rape trial as he tries to undermine his accusers` credibility without appearing callous to jurors, according to several legal experts.

Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein will face the challenge of defending himself in his rape trial as he tries to undermine his accusers` credibility without appearing callous to jurors, according to several legal experts. Still, if Weinstein`s defense team can persuade the jury that the accusers engaged in consensual sexual activity to gain an edge in the entertainment industry, that could result in an acquittal or hung jury, other experts said. All 12 jurors must agree in order for prosecutors to secure a conviction. Weinstein, 67, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting two women in New York, and faces life in prison if convicted on the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault. Weinstein has said that any sexual encounters he has had have been consensual. Donna Rotunno, Weinstein`s lead lawyer, told Reuters last month that his defense team had "a slew of witnesses ready to go," and that they would offer emails showing that his accusers had maintained friendly relationships with him after the alleged assaults. Rotunno did not respond to requests for comment on the defense strategy. Bennett Gershman, a former Manhattan prosecutor, said that consent would likely be the heart of Weinstein`s defense. "I think he’s going to try to show that these women were trying to ingratiate themselves with this powerful Hollywood mogul, that they were not victims, that they were willing participants in various sexual encounters," said Gershman, a former prosecutor who is now a law professor at Pace University. As many as four additional women are expected to testify for the prosecutors, who are trying to establish a consistent pattern of misconduct, according to court papers. Eric Tennen, a criminal defense lawyer in Boston who has handled sexual assault cases, said it could be difficult for Weinstein to convince a jury that several women had motive to lie about him. "That`s a hard pill to swallow," he said. Experts said the challenge is intensified by the #MeToo movement, in which numerous women have gone public with misconduct allegations against powerful men, increasing potential jurors` awareness of sexual abuse and making them more likely to believe accusers. Since 2017, more than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct dating back decades, helping to fuel the movement. One of the two main accusers in the case, former production assistant Mimi Haleyi, has said publicly that Weinstein forced oral sex on her in his Manhattan home in 2006. The other, who has not been identified, was raped by Weinstein in 2013, prosecutors allege. Daniel Hochheiser, a New York-based criminal defense lawyer who has handled sex crime cases, said the defense might call witnesses who observed the relationship between Weinstein and his accusers to bolster a defense of consent. "If there are witnesses who can testify that the behavior of the complainant after the alleged sexual assault was inconsistent with someone who had been assaulted, that could be very powerful," he said. Weinstein`s lawyers will likely try to show inconsistencies in his accusers` past statements through cross-examination, which experts said could be persuasive evidence for the defense. They will, however, have to be careful not to appear too aggressive. "If the defense lawyers are perceived as being too aggressive and challenging, it’s going to make the witnesses more sympathetic," said Daniel Medwed, a professor of criminal law at Northeastern University School of Law. Weinstein could also argue the encounters were consensual but with the passage of time the accusers` perspectives and memories of the event changed, said Tennen. Weinstein`s lawyers have said in court papers that they intend to call Deborah Davis, a psychologist and professor at the University of Nevada at Reno, to testify about how memories can be distorted. Davis said she was "still on tap" to testify and declined to comment on the case. Gershman said such testimony has been successful in cases involving alleged sexual abuse of children, who have been shown to be susceptible to false memories. Weinstein also has a right to testify in his own defense, but that is generally considered risky. By testifying, Medwed said, Weinstein would open himself to a "broad-based character attack" about his honesty that could backfire.

Harvey Weinstein must tread carefully in rape trial defense, experts say

Actress Annabella Sciorra testified on Thursday that Harvey Weinstein pinned her hands behind her head and violently raped her more than 25 years ago, becoming the first accuser to take the stand against the former Hollywood producer in his sexual assault trial. 
 
"He had intercourse with me as I tried to fight, but I couldn’t fight anymore because he had my hands locked," she told the New York jury of seven men and five women. Weinstein, sitting at the defence table, took notes on a legal pad at times during the testimony. 
Weinstein, 67, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting two women, Mimi Haleyi and Jessica Mann. He has said all of his sexual encounters with women were consensual.

Sciorra`s allegation from the winter of 1993-94 is too old to be charged as a separate crime, but prosecutors hope it will show that Weinstein was a repeat sexual predator, a charge that could put him in prison for life. 
 
As the trial wrapped for the day, prosecutors said they wanted to call actress Rosie Perez to testify that Sciorra told her about the alleged attack, a request the defence opposed. James Burke, the judge presiding over the case, said he would rule on the issue "soon enough." 
 
The trial is a watershed moment for the #MeToo movement, in which women have gone public with allegations against powerful men in business and politics. 
 
Since 2017, more than 80 women, including many famous actresses, have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. 
 
Weinstein reshaped the independent film industry with critically acclaimed pictures such as "The English Patient" and "Shakespeare in Love." 
 
Actresses Ellen Barkin, Mira Sorvino and Rosanna Arquette sent Twitter messages of support to Sciorra, best known for her role in HBO`s "The Sopranos." Barkin was in the courtroom for her testimony. 
 
Sciorra told the jury that the evening of the alleged rape had started with Weinstein giving her a ride home from an Irish restaurant. After dropping her off, he knocked on her door and came inside uninvited. 
 
She testified that after forcing intercourse on her, he performed oral sex on her as she protested. 
 
"It was just so disgusting that my body started to shake in a way that was very unusual," she said. "It was like a seizure or something.” 
One of Weinstein`s attorneys, Donna Rotunno, methodically sought to undercut Sciorra’s account. 
 
Rotunno repeatedly asked Sciorra if she had tried to get away from Weinstein and whether she had fought back during the alleged rape. 
 
Sciorra said she did not recall the details of the struggle but repeated that she felt she could not escape.&nbsp;“He was frightening,” she said. 
 
During rapid-fire questioning, Rotunno grilled Sciorra about whether she had called the police, gone to the hospital or immediately told anyone she had been raped.&nbsp;Sciorra said she had not. 
 
“At the time, I didn’t understand that it was rape,” she said. 
 
Sciorra told jurors that she saw Weinstein several weeks later at a dinner where she tried to confront him and told him she fainted during the alleged attack. 
 
She said he responded by saying, "That’s what all the nice Catholic girls say." 
 
She said Weinstein leaned in and said: "This remains between you and I." Though he laughed, his tone was "very menacing," Sciorra said. 
 
On Friday, prosecutors are expected to call Barbara Ziv, a Temple University psychology professor, as an expert. Ziv will testify about "rape trauma syndrome," including why rape victims might not report what happened to them or show obvious signs of trauma, according to court filings by prosecutors.

Actress Annabella Sciorra testified on Thursday that Harvey Weinstein pinned her hands behind her head and violently raped her more than 25 years ago, becoming the first accuser to take the stand against the former Hollywood producer in his sexual assault trial.

Actress Annabella Sciorra testified on Thursday that Harvey Weinstein pinned her hands behind her head and violently raped her more than 25 years ago, becoming the first accuser to take the stand against the former Hollywood producer in his sexual assault trial. "He had intercourse with me as I tried to fight, but I couldn’t fight anymore because he had my hands locked," she told the New York jury of seven men and five women. Weinstein, sitting at the defence table, took notes on a legal pad at times during the testimony. Weinstein, 67, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting two women, Mimi Haleyi and Jessica Mann. He has said all of his sexual encounters with women were consensual. Sciorra`s allegation from the winter of 1993-94 is too old to be charged as a separate crime, but prosecutors hope it will show that Weinstein was a repeat sexual predator, a charge that could put him in prison for life. As the trial wrapped for the day, prosecutors said they wanted to call actress Rosie Perez to testify that Sciorra told her about the alleged attack, a request the defence opposed. James Burke, the judge presiding over the case, said he would rule on the issue "soon enough." The trial is a watershed moment for the #MeToo movement, in which women have gone public with allegations against powerful men in business and politics. Since 2017, more than 80 women, including many famous actresses, have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. Weinstein reshaped the independent film industry with critically acclaimed pictures such as "The English Patient" and "Shakespeare in Love." Actresses Ellen Barkin, Mira Sorvino and Rosanna Arquette sent Twitter messages of support to Sciorra, best known for her role in HBO`s "The Sopranos." Barkin was in the courtroom for her testimony. Sciorra told the jury that the evening of the alleged rape had started with Weinstein giving her a ride home from an Irish restaurant. After dropping her off, he knocked on her door and came inside uninvited. She testified that after forcing intercourse on her, he performed oral sex on her as she protested. "It was just so disgusting that my body started to shake in a way that was very unusual," she said. "It was like a seizure or something.” One of Weinstein`s attorneys, Donna Rotunno, methodically sought to undercut Sciorra’s account. Rotunno repeatedly asked Sciorra if she had tried to get away from Weinstein and whether she had fought back during the alleged rape. Sciorra said she did not recall the details of the struggle but repeated that she felt she could not escape. “He was frightening,” she said. During rapid-fire questioning, Rotunno grilled Sciorra about whether she had called the police, gone to the hospital or immediately told anyone she had been raped. Sciorra said she had not. “At the time, I didn’t understand that it was rape,” she said. Sciorra told jurors that she saw Weinstein several weeks later at a dinner where she tried to confront him and told him she fainted during the alleged attack. She said he responded by saying, "That’s what all the nice Catholic girls say." She said Weinstein leaned in and said: "This remains between you and I." Though he laughed, his tone was "very menacing," Sciorra said. On Friday, prosecutors are expected to call Barbara Ziv, a Temple University psychology professor, as an expert. Ziv will testify about "rape trauma syndrome," including why rape victims might not report what happened to them or show obvious signs of trauma, according to court filings by prosecutors.

Actress Annabella Sciorra testifies she tried to fight Harvey Weinstein during alleged rape

A forensic psychiatrist is due to testify at ex-Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein's Manhattan rape trial on Friday, explaining why some sexual assault victims do not report attacks or avoid their abusers.

Harvey Weinstein, 67, has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting two women, Mimi Haleyi and Jessica Mann. Since 2017, more than 80 women, including many famous actresses, have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct, fueling the #MeToo movement.

Weinstein has denied any nonconsensual sex.

The trial is widely seen as a watershed moment for the #MeToo movement, in which women have gone public with allegations against powerful men in business and politics.

Prosecutors said in court papers that psychiatrist Barbara Ziv, who teaches at Temple University, will seek to dispel "myths" that sexual assault victims "promptly report the abuse, shun the abuser and exhibit obvious signs of psychological harm."

Defense attorneys said on Wednesday during opening statements that emails from the accusers to Weinstein would show they maintained warm relations, which could undermine a case that appears to rely primarily on the testimony of the accusers.

On Thursday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/actress-annabella-sciorra-testifies-she-tried-to-fight-harvey-weinstein-during-alleged-rape-276237">actress Annabella Sciorra testified that Weinstein violently raped her </a>in her home in the early 1990s and went on to harass her for years.

Sciorra's allegation is too old to be charged as a separate crime, but prosecutors hope it will show that Weinstein was a repeat sexual predator, a charge that could put him in prison for life.

Donna Rotunno, one of Weinstein's lawyers, grilled Sciorra on Wednesday about whether she had reported the alleged rape to authorities or sought medical help.

Sciorra acknowledged that she had not.

“At the time, I didn’t understand that it was rape,” she said.

Sciorra told jurors that she became depressed after the encounter, drinking heavily and even cutting herself. She cried on the stand as she told of how she was unable to tell her family what had happened.

Ziv will testify about rape trauma generally and will not offer any opinions directly related to Weinstein or his accusers, prosecutors said.

Ziv testified as an expert for prosecutors in the rape trial of comedian Bill Cosby, who was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison in 2018.

At the end of Thursday's proceedings, prosecutors said they wanted to call actress Rosie Perez to testify that Sciorra told her about the alleged attack, a request the defense opposed. James Burke, the judge presiding over the case, said he would rule on the issue "soon enough."

A forensic psychiatrist is due to testify at ex-Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein's Manhattan rape trial on Friday, explaining why some sexual assault victims do not report attacks or avoid their abusers.

A forensic psychiatrist is due to testify at ex-Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein's Manhattan rape trial on Friday, explaining why some sexual assault victims do not report attacks or avoid their abusers. Harvey Weinstein, 67, has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting two women, Mimi Haleyi and Jessica Mann. Since 2017, more than 80 women, including many famous actresses, have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct, fueling the #MeToo movement. Weinstein has denied any nonconsensual sex. The trial is widely seen as a watershed moment for the #MeToo movement, in which women have gone public with allegations against powerful men in business and politics. Prosecutors said in court papers that psychiatrist Barbara Ziv, who teaches at Temple University, will seek to dispel "myths" that sexual assault victims "promptly report the abuse, shun the abuser and exhibit obvious signs of psychological harm." Defense attorneys said on Wednesday during opening statements that emails from the accusers to Weinstein would show they maintained warm relations, which could undermine a case that appears to rely primarily on the testimony of the accusers. On Thursday, actress Annabella Sciorra testified that Weinstein violently raped her in her home in the early 1990s and went on to harass her for years. Sciorra's allegation is too old to be charged as a separate crime, but prosecutors hope it will show that Weinstein was a repeat sexual predator, a charge that could put him in prison for life. Donna Rotunno, one of Weinstein's lawyers, grilled Sciorra on Wednesday about whether she had reported the alleged rape to authorities or sought medical help. Sciorra acknowledged that she had not. “At the time, I didn’t understand that it was rape,” she said. Sciorra told jurors that she became depressed after the encounter, drinking heavily and even cutting herself. She cried on the stand as she told of how she was unable to tell her family what had happened. Ziv will testify about rape trauma generally and will not offer any opinions directly related to Weinstein or his accusers, prosecutors said. Ziv testified as an expert for prosecutors in the rape trial of comedian Bill Cosby, who was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison in 2018. At the end of Thursday's proceedings, prosecutors said they wanted to call actress Rosie Perez to testify that Sciorra told her about the alleged attack, a request the defense opposed. James Burke, the judge presiding over the case, said he would rule on the issue "soon enough."

Psychiatrist to testify in Harvey Weinstein trial as expert on sexual assault trauma

Brad Pitt just wanted to have ex-girlfriend Gwyneth Paltrow`s back and make sure nothing will happen to her after she accused disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein of sexually harassing her.&nbsp; 
 
Pitt opened up about the time when he "confronted" the producer following Paltrow`s accusations. 
 
"I just wanted to make sure nothing was going to happen further because she was going to do two films [with Weinstein]," People quoted Pitt as saying in an interview given to CNN. 
 
Talking about how he confronted the producer, Pitt added, "At that moment, I was just a boy from the Ozarks on the playground and that`s how we confronted things."

However, he also added that the "dynamics" in Hollywood are now being "re-calibrated". 
 
"I think the interesting thing is that we, Hollywood specifically, but the workplace, men and women`s dynamics is being re-calibrated, re-calibrated in a very good way that is long overdue. And I do think that`s an important story to tell," he said. 
 
Paltrow opened up about the alleged incident in an interview in May 2018."It was weird. I was alone in a room with him. It was out of the blue. I was shocked," she had recalled. 
 
The `Avengers: Endgame` actor even told Pitt about what allegedly happened at the time, saying the actor confronted Weinstein and told him to never touch Paltrow again. 
 
"I told him right away and I was very shaken by the whole thing. We were at the opening of `Hamlet` on Broadway. Harvey was there and Brad Pitt -- it was like the equivalent of throwing him against the wall, energetically," she added. 
 
Paltrow told what Pitt had said to Weinstein at that time and said, "He said, `If you ever make her feel uncomfortable again, I`ll kill you.` Or something like that." 
 
She first opened up about her alleged experience in a 2017 New York Times report. 
 
Weinstein is set to go to trial in January 2020 for charges of rape, predatory sexual assault and criminal sexual act based on the accusations of two women.&nbsp;

Brad Pitt just wanted to have ex-girlfriend Gwyneth Paltrow`s back and make sure nothing will happen to her after she accused disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein of sexually harassing her.

Brad Pitt just wanted to have ex-girlfriend Gwyneth Paltrow`s back and make sure nothing will happen to her after she accused disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein of sexually harassing her. Pitt opened up about the time when he "confronted" the producer following Paltrow`s accusations. "I just wanted to make sure nothing was going to happen further because she was going to do two films [with Weinstein]," People quoted Pitt as saying in an interview given to CNN. Talking about how he confronted the producer, Pitt added, "At that moment, I was just a boy from the Ozarks on the playground and that`s how we confronted things." However, he also added that the "dynamics" in Hollywood are now being "re-calibrated". "I think the interesting thing is that we, Hollywood specifically, but the workplace, men and women`s dynamics is being re-calibrated, re-calibrated in a very good way that is long overdue. And I do think that`s an important story to tell," he said. Paltrow opened up about the alleged incident in an interview in May 2018."It was weird. I was alone in a room with him. It was out of the blue. I was shocked," she had recalled. The `Avengers: Endgame` actor even told Pitt about what allegedly happened at the time, saying the actor confronted Weinstein and told him to never touch Paltrow again. "I told him right away and I was very shaken by the whole thing. We were at the opening of `Hamlet` on Broadway. Harvey was there and Brad Pitt -- it was like the equivalent of throwing him against the wall, energetically," she added. Paltrow told what Pitt had said to Weinstein at that time and said, "He said, `If you ever make her feel uncomfortable again, I`ll kill you.` Or something like that." She first opened up about her alleged experience in a 2017 New York Times report. Weinstein is set to go to trial in January 2020 for charges of rape, predatory sexual assault and criminal sexual act based on the accusations of two women.

Brad Pitt explains why he 'confronted' Harvey Weinstein after Gwyneth Paltrow's accusations

A film about Hollywood film’s industry failure to protect the rights of its support workers is now ready to hit the theatres and the timing is impeccable as Harvey Weinstein currently goes through a rape trial in Manhattan. Writer-director Kitty Green’s ‘The Assistant’ is hitting theatres on January 31 and there are talks of many high-profile celebs feeling the pressure.

We mention Harvey Weinstein as he is one of the first Hollywood celebs to have been named in the #MeToo movement that picked up in 2017 after many women accused powerful men of sexual abuse and harassment among other things. Harvey goes through rape trial after more than one woman alleged rape, to which he denies being guilty, and calls it consensual.&nbsp;

Back to the film, ‘The Assistant’ follows a Northwestern graduate and aspiring film producer Jane (Julia Garner), who has been working as an assistant to a high-powered film producer for five weeks. She plays the junior-most assistant out of three people of which two are men. Thus meaning that she has to reach the sets first. In one incident, on cold New York winter evening, she is the last to leave. She is shown to do the menial things -- printing documents, getting coffee, ordering lunch, responding to emails and more.&nbsp;

Watch the trailer of ‘The Assistant’ here:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="446" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6cLf0i-kYio" width="792"></iframe>

The trailer shows that Jane’s boss is not just verbally abusive to top it but also sexually predatory, though not towards her.&nbsp;

The project also has Macfadyen, Dagmara Dominczyk and Juliana Canfield.

A film about Hollywood film’s industry failure to protect the rights of its support workers is now ready to hit the theatres and the timing is impeccable as Harvey Weinstein currently goes through a rape trial in Manhattan.

A film about Hollywood film’s industry failure to protect the rights of its support workers is now ready to hit the theatres and the timing is impeccable as Harvey Weinstein currently goes through a rape trial in Manhattan. Writer-director Kitty Green’s ‘The Assistant’ is hitting theatres on January 31 and there are talks of many high-profile celebs feeling the pressure. We mention Harvey Weinstein as he is one of the first Hollywood celebs to have been named in the #MeToo movement that picked up in 2017 after many women accused powerful men of sexual abuse and harassment among other things. Harvey goes through rape trial after more than one woman alleged rape, to which he denies being guilty, and calls it consensual. Back to the film, ‘The Assistant’ follows a Northwestern graduate and aspiring film producer Jane (Julia Garner), who has been working as an assistant to a high-powered film producer for five weeks. She plays the junior-most assistant out of three people of which two are men. Thus meaning that she has to reach the sets first. In one incident, on cold New York winter evening, she is the last to leave. She is shown to do the menial things -- printing documents, getting coffee, ordering lunch, responding to emails and more. Watch the trailer of ‘The Assistant’ here: The trailer shows that Jane’s boss is not just verbally abusive to top it but also sexually predatory, though not towards her. The project also has Macfadyen, Dagmara Dominczyk and Juliana Canfield.

Watch trailer: #MeToo Hollywood film 'The Assistant' to release on January 31

As former media mogul Harvey Wesintein’s rape trial continues in its first leg, four men and three women were chosen Thursday as jurors. The judge presiding over the selection told the jurors to not use the case to make a broader statement on the #MeToo movement but to judge it purely on evidence.&nbsp;

"This trial is not a referendum on the #MeToo movement," Justice James Burke told the potential jurors on Thursday. "You must decide this case on the evidence."

Among the jurors selected, a woman works at a sports venue, a woman who works as a security guard and a man who is in banking sector.&nbsp;

The entire bench including the prosecutors, Weinstein’s lawyers and justice James Burke are striving to select 12 jurors and six alternates before opening statements on the rape trial. The trial is expected to begin on January 22.&nbsp;

Earlier yesterday, all jurors who had already passed a round of pre-screening and submitted written questionnaires, were questioned in groups of 20 by the lawyers in the case. As many were found to have known about the case, thus were not found impartial -- were<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/judge-excuses-dozens-of-new-yorkers-from-serving-on-harvey-weinstein-rape-trial-jury-273075"> striked off by Weinstein’s lawyers</a>. At one point, while jurors were out of the room, prosecutor Joan Illuzzi accused Weinstein's lawyers of systematically striking "every white female" from the pool. Among those strike out, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/gigi-hadid-among-potential-jurors-in-the-harvey-weinstein-rape-trial-274212">supermodel Gigi Hadid's </a>name is also added.&nbsp;

Donna Rotunno, one of Weinstein's lawyers said, "We are here to try to pick a fair jury," she said. "This is not some conspiracy against the state."&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvey-weinstein-charged-with-rape-in-la-could-face-up-to-28-years-in-prison-272659">Also read:&nbsp;Harvey Weinstein charged with rape in LA; could face up to 28 years in prison</a>

Harvey Weinstein is 67 as he pleaded not guilty on all accounts. According to him, all sexual encounters that are now being played as counts of harassment and rape were consensual between him and the women. But, if Weinstein is convicted, he will face life in prison.&nbsp;

Currently the case is on for atleast more than woman has accused Harvey Weinstein of rape while in 2017 when the issue snowballed, mor ethan 80 women including big Hollywood stars accused him of several degree of sexual assault.&nbsp;

Weinstein's rape trial began on January 6 and is expected to last up to two months. The former filmmaker had made a plea yesterday to delay the trial and move it out of Manhattan. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-urges-court-to-delay-rape-trial-move-it-out-of-manhattan-274522">Read why.&nbsp;</a> 
&nbsp;

As former media mogul Harvey Wesintein’s rape trial continues in its first leg, four men and three women were chosen Thursday as jurors. The judge presiding over the selection told the jurors to not use the case to make a broader statement on the #MeToo movement but to judge it purely on evidence.

As former media mogul Harvey Wesintein’s rape trial continues in its first leg, four men and three women were chosen Thursday as jurors. The judge presiding over the selection told the jurors to not use the case to make a broader statement on the #MeToo movement but to judge it purely on evidence. "This trial is not a referendum on the #MeToo movement," Justice James Burke told the potential jurors on Thursday. "You must decide this case on the evidence." Among the jurors selected, a woman works at a sports venue, a woman who works as a security guard and a man who is in banking sector. The entire bench including the prosecutors, Weinstein’s lawyers and justice James Burke are striving to select 12 jurors and six alternates before opening statements on the rape trial. The trial is expected to begin on January 22. Earlier yesterday, all jurors who had already passed a round of pre-screening and submitted written questionnaires, were questioned in groups of 20 by the lawyers in the case. As many were found to have known about the case, thus were not found impartial -- were striked off by Weinstein’s lawyers. At one point, while jurors were out of the room, prosecutor Joan Illuzzi accused Weinstein's lawyers of systematically striking "every white female" from the pool. Among those strike out, supermodel Gigi Hadid's name is also added. Donna Rotunno, one of Weinstein's lawyers said, "We are here to try to pick a fair jury," she said. "This is not some conspiracy against the state." Also read: Harvey Weinstein charged with rape in LA; could face up to 28 years in prison Harvey Weinstein is 67 as he pleaded not guilty on all accounts. According to him, all sexual encounters that are now being played as counts of harassment and rape were consensual between him and the women. But, if Weinstein is convicted, he will face life in prison. Currently the case is on for atleast more than woman has accused Harvey Weinstein of rape while in 2017 when the issue snowballed, mor ethan 80 women including big Hollywood stars accused him of several degree of sexual assault. Weinstein's rape trial began on January 6 and is expected to last up to two months. The former filmmaker had made a plea yesterday to delay the trial and move it out of Manhattan. Read why.

Judge on Harvey Weinstein rape trial tells jurors to not use case to make a statement on #MeToo

Dozens of potential jurors were excused Tuesday from serving in the rape trial of Harvey Weinstein, including two women who said they had been assaulted in the past and one who said a close friend had an encounter with the movie producer. 
 
In all, 50 of 120 potential jurors called on the second day of jury selection were dismissed by noon, most after saying they could not be impartial in the case. 
 
"I read every article and it`s gonna be very hard (to be impartial) for someone who`s been assaulted multiple times," one woman said. 
"I was assaulted in my past, so I don’t think I can be a fair juror," another said. 
 
A third woman said she had "a very close friend who had an encounter with the defendant." 
 
Many other jurors simply said they could not be fair, without giving a reason. 
 
Weinstein, 67, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting two women in New York. He faces life in prison if convicted on the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault. 
 
Trial began on Monday and could last as long as two months. 
 
Earlier on Wednesday, Weinstein`s lawyers asked to bar high-profile lawyer Gloria Allred from attending the trial, saying they might call her as a witness, but Justice James Burke denied the request. Allred represents three of the women who are expected to testify against Weinstein. 
 
"Harvey Weinstein`s defense appeared to want to interfere with my ability to represent my three clients who will be witnesses in his trial," Allred told reporters outside the courthouse. 
 
Since 2017, more than 80 women, including many famous actresses, have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct dating back decades. 
 
The Weinstein allegations helped fuel the #MeToo movement which encouraged women to go public with misconduct allegations against powerful men. 
 
Weinstein has denied the allegations, saying any sexual encounters he had were consensual. 
 
The former film producer made his mark with critically acclaimed films such as "The English Patient" and "Shakespeare in Love." 
Burke has denied requests by Weinstein`s legal team to move the trial out of the media glare of Manhattan or to delay the start given the challenges of finding impartial jurors. 
 
On Monday, Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced charges against Weinstein of sexual assault of two unidentified women in 2013. 
 
Burke said the jury would be instructed that the charges in California are not evidence of guilt. 
 
Prosecutors need 12 jurors to back a conviction, while Weinstein needs just one holdout for a hung jury.

Dozens of potential jurors were excused Tuesday from serving in the rape trial of Harvey Weinstein, including two women who said they had been assaulted in the past and one who said a close friend had an encounter with the movie producer.

Dozens of potential jurors were excused Tuesday from serving in the rape trial of Harvey Weinstein, including two women who said they had been assaulted in the past and one who said a close friend had an encounter with the movie producer. In all, 50 of 120 potential jurors called on the second day of jury selection were dismissed by noon, most after saying they could not be impartial in the case. "I read every article and it`s gonna be very hard (to be impartial) for someone who`s been assaulted multiple times," one woman said. "I was assaulted in my past, so I don’t think I can be a fair juror," another said. A third woman said she had "a very close friend who had an encounter with the defendant." Many other jurors simply said they could not be fair, without giving a reason. Weinstein, 67, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting two women in New York. He faces life in prison if convicted on the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault. Trial began on Monday and could last as long as two months. Earlier on Wednesday, Weinstein`s lawyers asked to bar high-profile lawyer Gloria Allred from attending the trial, saying they might call her as a witness, but Justice James Burke denied the request. Allred represents three of the women who are expected to testify against Weinstein. "Harvey Weinstein`s defense appeared to want to interfere with my ability to represent my three clients who will be witnesses in his trial," Allred told reporters outside the courthouse. Since 2017, more than 80 women, including many famous actresses, have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct dating back decades. The Weinstein allegations helped fuel the #MeToo movement which encouraged women to go public with misconduct allegations against powerful men. Weinstein has denied the allegations, saying any sexual encounters he had were consensual. The former film producer made his mark with critically acclaimed films such as "The English Patient" and "Shakespeare in Love." Burke has denied requests by Weinstein`s legal team to move the trial out of the media glare of Manhattan or to delay the start given the challenges of finding impartial jurors. On Monday, Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced charges against Weinstein of sexual assault of two unidentified women in 2013. Burke said the jury would be instructed that the charges in California are not evidence of guilt. Prosecutors need 12 jurors to back a conviction, while Weinstein needs just one holdout for a hung jury.

Judge excuses dozens of New Yorkers from serving on Harvey Weinstein rape trial jury

Harvey Weinstein recently came to a tentative $25 million settlement with women who accused him of sexual misconduct but it might not mean that this is the end of bad times for him as there is a new sexual assault case that has sprung up.&nbsp;

Harvey Weinstein now faces a new assault case by a former model who claims that he sexually abused her when she was merely 16 years old.&nbsp;

The model, Kaja Sokola, says she came to the US from Poland in 2002 for work. She was then introduced to the former media mogul at an event associated with her agency.&nbsp;

According to her&nbsp;complaint, the producer asked her to lunch in the interest of helping her pursue an acting career. She agreed but alleges his driver brought them to Weinstein's apartment instead. There, she claims "he terrified and sexually abused her."

She further said that Harvey Weinstein told her to succeed as an actress "she would have to be comfortable doing whatever the director told her to do — including losing her inhibitions and getting naked" and afterward insisted "what had just happened was normal."

Her attorneys&nbsp;issued a joint statement&nbsp;saying, "While others may have decided to settle, albeit under some of the most offensive and one-sided terms, we hope that the filing of this complaint encourages other victims and the New York Attorney General to join us as we continue our efforts at holding Harvey Weinstein and his enablers accountable."

Harvey Weinstein recently came to a tentative $25 million settlement with women who accused him of sexual misconduct but it might not mean that this is the end of bad times for him as there is a new sexual assault case that has sprung up.

Harvey Weinstein recently came to a tentative $25 million settlement with women who accused him of sexual misconduct but it might not mean that this is the end of bad times for him as there is a new sexual assault case that has sprung up. Harvey Weinstein now faces a new assault case by a former model who claims that he sexually abused her when she was merely 16 years old. The model, Kaja Sokola, says she came to the US from Poland in 2002 for work. She was then introduced to the former media mogul at an event associated with her agency. According to her complaint, the producer asked her to lunch in the interest of helping her pursue an acting career. She agreed but alleges his driver brought them to Weinstein's apartment instead. There, she claims "he terrified and sexually abused her." She further said that Harvey Weinstein told her to succeed as an actress "she would have to be comfortable doing whatever the director told her to do — including losing her inhibitions and getting naked" and afterward insisted "what had just happened was normal." Her attorneys issued a joint statement saying, "While others may have decided to settle, albeit under some of the most offensive and one-sided terms, we hope that the filing of this complaint encourages other victims and the New York Attorney General to join us as we continue our efforts at holding Harvey Weinstein and his enablers accountable."

Harvey Weinstein accused of sexually assaulting model in new case

Harvey Weinstein agreed to post additional security to ensure he will not flee a criminal sexual assault case brought by New York prosecutors, who had sought to increase his bail after he allegedly failed to wear his electronic ankle monitor. 
 
Prosecutors had sought $5 million bail for the former Hollywood producer rather than the original $1 million, but Justice James Burke of the State Supreme Court in Manhattan agreed to let Weinstein post a $2 million insurance bond. 
 
Weinstein, 67, used a walker to enter the courthouse. His lawyer, Donna Rotunno, said he is expected to have back surgery on Thursday. A trial is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2020, and Weinstein could face life in prison if convicted on the top counts. 
 
Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges that he sexually assaulted two women, one in 2006 and another in 2013. He has also denied allegations by roughly 70 women of sexual misconduct dating back decades, saying any contact was consensual. 
 
The insurance bond will be insured by Weinstein`s original bail and some other assets, his lawyer said.

Harvey Weinstein agreed to post additional security to ensure he will not flee a criminal sexual assault case brought by New York prosecutors, who had sought to increase his bail after he allegedly failed to wear his electronic ankle monitor.

Harvey Weinstein agreed to post additional security to ensure he will not flee a criminal sexual assault case brought by New York prosecutors, who had sought to increase his bail after he allegedly failed to wear his electronic ankle monitor. Prosecutors had sought $5 million bail for the former Hollywood producer rather than the original $1 million, but Justice James Burke of the State Supreme Court in Manhattan agreed to let Weinstein post a $2 million insurance bond. Weinstein, 67, used a walker to enter the courthouse. His lawyer, Donna Rotunno, said he is expected to have back surgery on Thursday. A trial is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2020, and Weinstein could face life in prison if convicted on the top counts. Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges that he sexually assaulted two women, one in 2006 and another in 2013. He has also denied allegations by roughly 70 women of sexual misconduct dating back decades, saying any contact was consensual. The insurance bond will be insured by Weinstein`s original bail and some other assets, his lawyer said.

Harvey Weinstein posts new bond to ensure he won't flee sexual assault trial

It was a morning of celebration on Wednesday (December 11) in Hollywood as celebrities at The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment Gala were celebrating their Screen Actors Guild (SAG) nominations. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/screen-actors-guild-awards-2020-see-the-complete-nominations-list-267795">See the complete list here.</a>

Charlize Theron, who produced and acts in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bombshell-margot-robbie-charlize-therons-film-probes-sexual-harassments-gray-spaces-267814">'Bombshell</a>', was not only individually nominated alongside her co-stars Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie, but the entire cast was nominated for Best Ensemble - SAG's equivalent of Best Picture.

She told Reuters "It's really deep in my heart because this film really is an ensemble and so getting to celebrate everybody for me is most important. As a producer, that's why this movie is here today, because of everybody."

SAG AFTRA's president Gabrielle Carteris did double duty leaving the nominations to attend the event honouring women.

"I think what the nominations said was, as a community, we want to hear good stories. We want to hear diverse, good stories, we want to see ourselves reflected on screen and I think that we're seeing that our industry can be successful without being vanilla, that actually our power comes in our ability to reach out and tell all stories," Carteris said.

Reese Witherspoon's production 'Big Little Lies' was up for Best Ensemble in a Drama Series, but that wasn't her only celebration on Wednesday. At the event, she was receiving the Sherry Lansing Leadership award for being a pioneer in the industry.

Witherspoon has, in recent years, become a successful producer in Hollywood with films 'Wild'&nbsp;and 'Gone Girl'&nbsp;and television shows 'Big Little Lies'&nbsp;and 'The Morning Show'. She has also been proactive in the #metoo and Time's Up movement.

She told Reuters "We're seeing a shift in how many women are hired behind the scenes and how much more diversity and inclusion there is on screen, which is so important but this is just the beginning. With any movement, you have to just keep talking, keep gathering, keep meeting with each other, keep collaborating, and we really do support each other. There are so many women I'm seeing here today who are my dear friends on and off camera, always DM-ing each other and saying 'You're doing amazing!' so it's really important to have that support system."

Ronan Farrow, whose investigative journalism broke the Harvey Weinstein story creating an outpouring of allegations by women in Hollywood, was honoured with the Equity in Entertainment Award, which was presented to him by Gretchen Carlson. He&nbsp;sued former Fox News CEO Roger Ailes for sexual harassment a year before the Weinstein allegations came out.

"It's paramount that men are included in this conversation," said Witherspoon, adding "This isn't about creating a matriarchy, this is about gender balance finally in this world and I think it's a 50-50 population for a reason. We need men to take up these causes and really demand diversity and inclusion in their movies and to work with more female directors and writers and I think we're seeing that happen, we definitely are."

Theron said, "I think men are just as emotionally distraught by all of these issues because it doesn't just affect women, for them it affects their daughters, their sisters, their mothers, this is about all of us, right? We don't want any of this stuff to happen to anybody in our family and so I know so many men that don't want this just as much as women don't and we need to be together in this fight. Yeah. It's just the right thing to do."

It was a morning of celebration on Wednesday (December 11) in Hollywood as celebrities at The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment Gala were celebrating their Screen Actors Guild (SAG) nominations.

It was a morning of celebration on Wednesday (December 11) in Hollywood as celebrities at The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment Gala were celebrating their Screen Actors Guild (SAG) nominations. See the complete list here. Charlize Theron, who produced and acts in 'Bombshell', was not only individually nominated alongside her co-stars Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie, but the entire cast was nominated for Best Ensemble - SAG's equivalent of Best Picture. She told Reuters "It's really deep in my heart because this film really is an ensemble and so getting to celebrate everybody for me is most important. As a producer, that's why this movie is here today, because of everybody." SAG AFTRA's president Gabrielle Carteris did double duty leaving the nominations to attend the event honouring women. "I think what the nominations said was, as a community, we want to hear good stories. We want to hear diverse, good stories, we want to see ourselves reflected on screen and I think that we're seeing that our industry can be successful without being vanilla, that actually our power comes in our ability to reach out and tell all stories," Carteris said. Reese Witherspoon's production 'Big Little Lies' was up for Best Ensemble in a Drama Series, but that wasn't her only celebration on Wednesday. At the event, she was receiving the Sherry Lansing Leadership award for being a pioneer in the industry. Witherspoon has, in recent years, become a successful producer in Hollywood with films 'Wild' and 'Gone Girl' and television shows 'Big Little Lies' and 'The Morning Show'. She has also been proactive in the #metoo and Time's Up movement. She told Reuters "We're seeing a shift in how many women are hired behind the scenes and how much more diversity and inclusion there is on screen, which is so important but this is just the beginning. With any movement, you have to just keep talking, keep gathering, keep meeting with each other, keep collaborating, and we really do support each other. There are so many women I'm seeing here today who are my dear friends on and off camera, always DM-ing each other and saying 'You're doing amazing!' so it's really important to have that support system." Ronan Farrow, whose investigative journalism broke the Harvey Weinstein story creating an outpouring of allegations by women in Hollywood, was honoured with the Equity in Entertainment Award, which was presented to him by Gretchen Carlson. He sued former Fox News CEO Roger Ailes for sexual harassment a year before the Weinstein allegations came out. "It's paramount that men are included in this conversation," said Witherspoon, adding "This isn't about creating a matriarchy, this is about gender balance finally in this world and I think it's a 50-50 population for a reason. We need men to take up these causes and really demand diversity and inclusion in their movies and to work with more female directors and writers and I think we're seeing that happen, we definitely are." Theron said, "I think men are just as emotionally distraught by all of these issues because it doesn't just affect women, for them it affects their daughters, their sisters, their mothers, this is about all of us, right? We don't want any of this stuff to happen to anybody in our family and so I know so many men that don't want this just as much as women don't and we need to be together in this fight. Yeah. It's just the right thing to do."

Ronan Farrow honored at Hollywood women event for Harvey Weinstein investigative story

Disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein's bid to move his sex-trial out of Manhattan has been denied by the court. According to the news agency, in a brief ruling on Thursday (local time) an appellate court issued the denial. 
 
The 67-year-old film producer was strongly hoping to avoid the whole 'circus-like atmosphere'&nbsp;trial situation in Manhattan Supreme Court, his lawyers previously said. 
 
He is accused of forcing production assistant Mimi Haleyi for oral sex in 2006 and also raping a longtime lover in a Manhattan hotel in 2013. 
 
Weinstein is set to go to trial in January 2020 for the charges, according to a news agency.

Disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein's bid to move his sex-trial out of Manhattan has been denied by the court. According to the news agency, in a brief ruling on Thursday (local time) an appellate court issued the denial.

Disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein's bid to move his sex-trial out of Manhattan has been denied by the court. According to the news agency, in a brief ruling on Thursday (local time) an appellate court issued the denial. The 67-year-old film producer was strongly hoping to avoid the whole 'circus-like atmosphere' trial situation in Manhattan Supreme Court, his lawyers previously said. He is accused of forcing production assistant Mimi Haleyi for oral sex in 2006 and also raping a longtime lover in a Manhattan hotel in 2013. Weinstein is set to go to trial in January 2020 for the charges, according to a news agency.

Harvey Weinstein request to move sex assault trial out of Manhattan denied by court

Tainted film mogul Harvey Weinstein's brother Bob Weinstein knew about his misdeeds two years before allegations of sexual harassment were levelled against him. Bob had written a letter to Harvey saying his 'misbehavior'&nbsp;brought shame to their family, according to a new book, reported Page Six. 
 
The unreported letter is printed in the book&nbsp;'She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement,'&nbsp;authored by reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey.

"You have brought shame to the family and your company through your misbehavior," Bob wrote to Harvey, who is set to face trial in 2020 on charges of sexual assault and rape, according to excerpts published Sunday by the Times, cited Page Six. 
 
"Your reaction was once more to blame the victims, or to minimize the misbehavior in various ways," Bob wrote further." If you think nothing is wrong with your misbehavior so in this area then announce it to your wife and family," he added. 
 
This is the first time Bob has commented since the story broke out; he blamed his own struggle with substance abuse for waving off his brother's behaviour as sex addiction, and eventually stopped intervening. "I got worn out," he told the reporters. "I said, 'I surrender,'&nbsp;see?"The book is set to be released Tuesday.&nbsp;

Tainted film mogul Harvey Weinstein's brother Bob Weinstein knew about his misdeeds two years before allegations of sexual harassment were levelled against him. Bob had written a letter to Harvey saying his 'misbehavior' brought shame to their family, according to a new book, reported Page Six.

Tainted film mogul Harvey Weinstein's brother Bob Weinstein knew about his misdeeds two years before allegations of sexual harassment were levelled against him. Bob had written a letter to Harvey saying his 'misbehavior' brought shame to their family, according to a new book, reported Page Six. The unreported letter is printed in the book 'She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement,' authored by reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey. "You have brought shame to the family and your company through your misbehavior," Bob wrote to Harvey, who is set to face trial in 2020 on charges of sexual assault and rape, according to excerpts published Sunday by the Times, cited Page Six. "Your reaction was once more to blame the victims, or to minimize the misbehavior in various ways," Bob wrote further." If you think nothing is wrong with your misbehavior so in this area then announce it to your wife and family," he added. This is the first time Bob has commented since the story broke out; he blamed his own struggle with substance abuse for waving off his brother's behaviour as sex addiction, and eventually stopped intervening. "I got worn out," he told the reporters. "I said, 'I surrender,' see?"The book is set to be released Tuesday.

Harvey Weinstein's brother Bob confronted his 'misbehaviour' years before scandal

Fallen movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, indicted over two sexual assault allegations, is to be<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-to-face-new-indictment-in-court-244914"> informed of new allegations</a> against him Monday that could delay his trial and complicate his defence.

New York prosecutors announced on Thursday that they had filed a new indictment against the 67-year-old former producer. The original accusations against him were a catalyst for America's #MeToo movement.

The document is expected to be made public in a state court on Monday, two weeks before jury selection for his trial is scheduled to start on September 9.

According to US media, the new indictment will include testimony from actress Annabella Sciorra, known for her star turn in the hit television series "The Sopranos."

Sciorra helped trigger the #MeToo movement in October 2017 when she told The New Yorker magazine that Weinstein raped her at her home in Manhattan in 1993. &nbsp;

Weinstein has always insisted his sexual relationships were consensual and is again expected to enter a not guilty plea on Monday.

Once one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, Weinstein has been accused of harassment and assault by more than 80 women, including stars such as Angelina Jolie and Ashley Judd.

But the 'Pulp Fiction'&nbsp;producer-only faces charges involving two women -- one who alleges he raped her in 2013, the other who claims he forcibly performed oral sex on her in 2006.

Sciorra reportedly approached prosecutors too late for her allegations to be included in the original indictment, The New York Times reported, citing a letter written by the prosecutor in charge of the case.

The judge denied a prosecution request that Sciorra be allowed to give evidence at Weinstein's trial because she had not testified before a grand jury as is procedure under US law.&nbsp;

Prosecutors hope the new indictment will allow her to testify. The number of accusers appearing in court can influence the verdict, as seen in the 2018 conviction of Bill Cosby.&nbsp;

Weinstein's lawyers have denounced the new indictment as a "desperate" last-minute move and are expected to ask for the indictment to be dismissed.

Bennett Gershman, a law professor at Pace University and a former prosecutor, said the judge will likely reject their request.&nbsp;

They will at most be given "more time to prepare the trial," he told AFP, meaning a delay to the start of the trial.

Weinstein's attorneys have also asked for the trial to be moved, arguing that intense coverage in New York's tabloids has meant he won't get a fair trial.

A decision will also likely come Monday but the request is expected to be rejected.

Fallen movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, indicted over two sexual assault allegations, is to be informed of new allegations against him Monday that could delay his trial and complicate his defence.

Fallen movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, indicted over two sexual assault allegations, is to be informed of new allegations against him Monday that could delay his trial and complicate his defence. New York prosecutors announced on Thursday that they had filed a new indictment against the 67-year-old former producer. The original accusations against him were a catalyst for America's #MeToo movement. The document is expected to be made public in a state court on Monday, two weeks before jury selection for his trial is scheduled to start on September 9. According to US media, the new indictment will include testimony from actress Annabella Sciorra, known for her star turn in the hit television series "The Sopranos." Sciorra helped trigger the #MeToo movement in October 2017 when she told The New Yorker magazine that Weinstein raped her at her home in Manhattan in 1993. Weinstein has always insisted his sexual relationships were consensual and is again expected to enter a not guilty plea on Monday. Once one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, Weinstein has been accused of harassment and assault by more than 80 women, including stars such as Angelina Jolie and Ashley Judd. But the 'Pulp Fiction' producer-only faces charges involving two women -- one who alleges he raped her in 2013, the other who claims he forcibly performed oral sex on her in 2006. Sciorra reportedly approached prosecutors too late for her allegations to be included in the original indictment, The New York Times reported, citing a letter written by the prosecutor in charge of the case. The judge denied a prosecution request that Sciorra be allowed to give evidence at Weinstein's trial because she had not testified before a grand jury as is procedure under US law. Prosecutors hope the new indictment will allow her to testify. The number of accusers appearing in court can influence the verdict, as seen in the 2018 conviction of Bill Cosby. Weinstein's lawyers have denounced the new indictment as a "desperate" last-minute move and are expected to ask for the indictment to be dismissed. Bennett Gershman, a law professor at Pace University and a former prosecutor, said the judge will likely reject their request. They will at most be given "more time to prepare the trial," he told AFP, meaning a delay to the start of the trial. Weinstein's attorneys have also asked for the trial to be moved, arguing that intense coverage in New York's tabloids has meant he won't get a fair trial. A decision will also likely come Monday but the request is expected to be rejected.

Harvey Weinstein to hear new accusations against him

Fallen movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, who is awaiting trial on two sexual assault charges, will return to court next week to hear a new indictment against him, prosecutors said Thursday. 
 
Weinstein, 67, will appear in a New York state court on Monday, said a spokesman for the Manhattan District Attorney, declining to comment on the details of the indictment. 
 
He added, however, that it did not contain new charges and that the film producer's trial would start as scheduled on September 9.&nbsp; 
The indictment is likely to allow another alleged victim of Weinstein to testify at the trial. 
 
Accusations against Weinstein, 67, propelled America's #MeToo movement in 2017. 
 
Once one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, Weinstein has been accused of harassment and assault by more than 80 women, including stars such as Angelina Jolie and Ashley Judd. 
 
But he only faces charges involving two women -- one who alleges he raped her in 2013, the other that he forced her to perform oral sex on him in 2006. 
 
A lawyer for Weinstein confirmed last week that prosecutors had asked a grand jury to approve a new indictment against him to include the allegations of a third woman. 
 
US media have reported that it is actress Annabella Sciorra, known for her role in hit television series in "The Sopranos." 
 
In an interview with The New Yorker magazine published in October 2017, she accused Weinstein of raping her after he forced himself into her apartment in the 1990s.&nbsp; 
 
Damon Cheronis, a lawyer for Weinstein, said adding new allegations so close to trial was "unconstitutional" and that the defense would ask for the indictment to be dropped. 
 
Weinstein's attorneys have also requested the trial be moved, arguing that intense coverage in New York's tabloids has meant he won't get a fair trial.&nbsp;A decision on that is pending.

Fallen movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, who is awaiting trial on two sexual assault charges, will return to court next week to hear a new indictment against him, prosecutors said Thursday.

Fallen movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, who is awaiting trial on two sexual assault charges, will return to court next week to hear a new indictment against him, prosecutors said Thursday. Weinstein, 67, will appear in a New York state court on Monday, said a spokesman for the Manhattan District Attorney, declining to comment on the details of the indictment. He added, however, that it did not contain new charges and that the film producer's trial would start as scheduled on September 9. The indictment is likely to allow another alleged victim of Weinstein to testify at the trial. Accusations against Weinstein, 67, propelled America's #MeToo movement in 2017. Once one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, Weinstein has been accused of harassment and assault by more than 80 women, including stars such as Angelina Jolie and Ashley Judd. But he only faces charges involving two women -- one who alleges he raped her in 2013, the other that he forced her to perform oral sex on him in 2006. A lawyer for Weinstein confirmed last week that prosecutors had asked a grand jury to approve a new indictment against him to include the allegations of a third woman. US media have reported that it is actress Annabella Sciorra, known for her role in hit television series in "The Sopranos." In an interview with The New Yorker magazine published in October 2017, she accused Weinstein of raping her after he forced himself into her apartment in the 1990s. Damon Cheronis, a lawyer for Weinstein, said adding new allegations so close to trial was "unconstitutional" and that the defense would ask for the indictment to be dropped. Weinstein's attorneys have also requested the trial be moved, arguing that intense coverage in New York's tabloids has meant he won't get a fair trial. A decision on that is pending.

Harvey Weinstein to face new indictment in court

Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein got approval from a New York judge to hire a new legal team two months before his scheduled rape trial. 
 
The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-hires-two-new-attorneys-ahead-of-sex-assault-trial-231023">two new lawyers</a>, Donna Rotunno and Damon Cheronis, appeared at a brief hearing in Manhattan Supreme Court before Justice James Burke to make their formal applications to take over Weinstein's defence before the September&nbsp;9 trial date. 
 
"Mr Weinstein, is that what you want?" Burke asked. 
 
"Yes," Weinstein answered. 
 
Weinstein, 67, is charged in New York with sexually assaulting two women, in July 2006 and March 2013.

He has pleaded not guilty to the five charges against him, which include rape, and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted. 
 
Weinstein hired the new lawyers, both based in Chicago, last month. 
 
Rotunno and Cheronis are Weinstein's third legal team in the case. Prominent Florida defence lawyer Jose Baez and Harvard University law professor Ronald Sullivan both recently left, with Baez making his departure official at Thursday's hearing. 
 
They, in turn, had replaced New York defence lawyer Ben Brafman, who quit the case in January. 
 
The two accusers in the criminal case are among some 70 women, mostly young actresses and women in the film industry, who have accused Weinstein of sexual assaults dating back decades. He has denied the allegations. 
 
The accusations helped spark the #MeToo movement in which hundreds of women have publicly accused powerful men in business, politics, the news media and entertainment of sexual harassment and abuse.

As the accusations against Weinstein mounted, his company Weinstein Co-fired him and filed for bankruptcy, and he was expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Rotunno, a former Chicago prosecutor who specializes in the defence of men accused of sex crimes, said in an interview that she rejected the #MeToo movement.

Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein got approval from a New York judge to hire a new legal team two months before his scheduled rape trial. The two new lawyers, Donna Rotunno and Damon Cheronis, appeared at a brief hearing in Manhattan Supreme Court before Justice James Burke to make their formal applications to take over Weinstein's defence before the September 9 trial date.

Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein got approval from a New York judge to hire a new legal team two months before his scheduled rape trial. The two new lawyers, Donna Rotunno and Damon Cheronis, appeared at a brief hearing in Manhattan Supreme Court before Justice James Burke to make their formal applications to take over Weinstein's defence before the September 9 trial date. "Mr Weinstein, is that what you want?" Burke asked. "Yes," Weinstein answered. Weinstein, 67, is charged in New York with sexually assaulting two women, in July 2006 and March 2013. He has pleaded not guilty to the five charges against him, which include rape, and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted. Weinstein hired the new lawyers, both based in Chicago, last month. Rotunno and Cheronis are Weinstein's third legal team in the case. Prominent Florida defence lawyer Jose Baez and Harvard University law professor Ronald Sullivan both recently left, with Baez making his departure official at Thursday's hearing. They, in turn, had replaced New York defence lawyer Ben Brafman, who quit the case in January. The two accusers in the criminal case are among some 70 women, mostly young actresses and women in the film industry, who have accused Weinstein of sexual assaults dating back decades. He has denied the allegations. The accusations helped spark the #MeToo movement in which hundreds of women have publicly accused powerful men in business, politics, the news media and entertainment of sexual harassment and abuse. As the accusations against Weinstein mounted, his company Weinstein Co-fired him and filed for bankruptcy, and he was expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Wall Street Journal reported that Rotunno, a former Chicago prosecutor who specializes in the defence of men accused of sex crimes, said in an interview that she rejected the #MeToo movement.

Ahead of September trial, judge allows Harvey Weinstein to hire new legal team

Harvey Weinstein, women who accused him of sexual misconduct, his former film studio's board members and the New York attorney general's office have reached a tentative $44 million deal to resolve lawsuits and compensate alleged victims of the Hollywood producer, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people it said were familiar with the matter.

The deal, if finalized, would resolve a civil rights lawsuit filed by the New York attorney general's office last year that accuses Weinstein Co's executives and board of failing to protect employees from a hostile work environment and Weinstein's sexual misconduct, the Journal reported.

The Journal said the proposed agreement would not affect a criminal case pending against Weinstein in Manhattan, in which he has been charged with rape and other sex crimes. A trial, in that case, has been scheduled for September.

A representative for Harvey Weinstein and Weinstein Co did not immediately respond to request for comment. Weinstein has previously denied having non-consensual sex with anyone.

Weinstein, who won plaudits and awards through his company and another studio, Miramax, for movies including "Shakespeare in Love," "Pulp Fiction" and "The King's Speech, fell from grace after more than 70 women, mostly young actresses and others in the movie business, accused him of sexual misconduct dating back decades.

As the accusations against Weinstein mounted, his company Weinstein Co. fired him and filed for bankruptcy, and he was expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

His case helped launch the #MeToo movement, which has led to dozens of powerful men in entertainment, politics and other fields being accused of sexual misconduct.

Harvey Weinstein, women who accused him of sexual misconduct, his former film studio's board members and the New York attorney general's office have reached a tentative $44 million deal to resolve lawsuits and compensate alleged victims of the Hollywood producer, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people it said were familiar with the matter.

Harvey Weinstein, women who accused him of sexual misconduct, his former film studio's board members and the New York attorney general's office have reached a tentative $44 million deal to resolve lawsuits and compensate alleged victims of the Hollywood producer, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people it said were familiar with the matter. The deal, if finalized, would resolve a civil rights lawsuit filed by the New York attorney general's office last year that accuses Weinstein Co's executives and board of failing to protect employees from a hostile work environment and Weinstein's sexual misconduct, the Journal reported. The Journal said the proposed agreement would not affect a criminal case pending against Weinstein in Manhattan, in which he has been charged with rape and other sex crimes. A trial, in that case, has been scheduled for September. A representative for Harvey Weinstein and Weinstein Co did not immediately respond to request for comment. Weinstein has previously denied having non-consensual sex with anyone. Weinstein, who won plaudits and awards through his company and another studio, Miramax, for movies including "Shakespeare in Love," "Pulp Fiction" and "The King's Speech, fell from grace after more than 70 women, mostly young actresses and others in the movie business, accused him of sexual misconduct dating back decades. As the accusations against Weinstein mounted, his company Weinstein Co. fired him and filed for bankruptcy, and he was expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His case helped launch the #MeToo movement, which has led to dozens of powerful men in entertainment, politics and other fields being accused of sexual misconduct.

Harvey Weinstein and accusers reach tentative compensation deal according to the Wall Street Journal

Disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein will go on trial in Manhattan on May 6 on charges of sexually assaulting two women, his lawyer said in a court filing.&nbsp;Weinstein is accused of forcibly performing oral sex on a woman in July 2006 and raping another woman in March 2013. He faces five charges, including rape, and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

More than 70 women, mostly young actresses and others in the movie business, have accused Weinstein, 66, of sexual assaults dating back decades. The scandal helped launch the #MeToo movement, in which hundreds of women have publicly accused powerful men in entertainment, politics and other fields, of sexual misconduct.

Weinstein, who pleaded not guilty after his arrest last May, has denied all the accusations, saying any sexual encounters were consensual.&nbsp; 
 
The New York prosecution, which was brought by the Manhattan district attorney`s office, is the only criminal case to emerge from those allegations to date. 
 
Weinstein`s lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, disclosed the trial date in a filing on Monday in a related federal civil case brought by an anonymous accuser. Brafman is seeking to have the case put on hold until the criminal case is resolved. 
 
Brafman also said prosecutors will seek permission from the trial judge to call other accusers as witnesses, even though their allegations are not part of the criminal charges at hand. 
 
While prosecutors are typically barred from calling "prior bad act" witnesses, judges will occasionally allow it for certain narrow purposes, such as demonstrating that a defendant had a particular method of committing his offenses. 
 
The trial is expected to last six weeks, Brafman wrote. 
 
Brafman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesman for the Manhattan district attorney`s office declined to comment.

Disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein will go on trial in Manhattan on May 6 on charges of sexually assaulting two women, his lawyer said in a court filing. Weinstein is accused of forcibly performing oral sex on a woman in July 2006 and raping another woman in March 2013.

Disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein will go on trial in Manhattan on May 6 on charges of sexually assaulting two women, his lawyer said in a court filing. Weinstein is accused of forcibly performing oral sex on a woman in July 2006 and raping another woman in March 2013. He faces five charges, including rape, and a maximum sentence of life in prison. More than 70 women, mostly young actresses and others in the movie business, have accused Weinstein, 66, of sexual assaults dating back decades. The scandal helped launch the #MeToo movement, in which hundreds of women have publicly accused powerful men in entertainment, politics and other fields, of sexual misconduct. Weinstein, who pleaded not guilty after his arrest last May, has denied all the accusations, saying any sexual encounters were consensual. The New York prosecution, which was brought by the Manhattan district attorney`s office, is the only criminal case to emerge from those allegations to date. Weinstein`s lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, disclosed the trial date in a filing on Monday in a related federal civil case brought by an anonymous accuser. Brafman is seeking to have the case put on hold until the criminal case is resolved. Brafman also said prosecutors will seek permission from the trial judge to call other accusers as witnesses, even though their allegations are not part of the criminal charges at hand. While prosecutors are typically barred from calling "prior bad act" witnesses, judges will occasionally allow it for certain narrow purposes, such as demonstrating that a defendant had a particular method of committing his offenses. The trial is expected to last six weeks, Brafman wrote. Brafman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesman for the Manhattan district attorney`s office declined to comment.

Harvey Weinstein's sexual assault trial set for May: US court

Hollywood’s Harvey Weinstein had no respite on Thursday when a New York judge rejected his motion to dismiss criminal charges for allegedly sexually assaulting two women.

The judge privately told attorneys at a hearing on Thursday that the case would continue.&nbsp;

Harvey currently facing five counts of rape and sexual assault. His attorney, Benjamin Brafman built a case on "deeply flawed indictment," saying that charges had been brought upon political pressure. He specifically argued that the Manhattan district attorney failed to turn over exculpatory evidence that includes witnesses and communications that would show consensual relationships with the accusers.

In a written decision that followed the hearing, New York Supreme Court Justice James Burke wrote, "The People [of New York] generally enjoy wide discretion in presenting their case and are not required to present exculpatory or mitigating evidence in the Grand Jury. They are not obligated to search for evidence favorable to the defense or to present all evidence in their possession favorable to the accused. The Grand Jury is not an adversarial proceeding and the People do not have the same obligation of disclosure at the Grand Jury stage as they have at the trial stage."

The next hearing is now on March 7. The next phase of pretrial proceedings could have prosecutors and the defense warring over the potential for trial testimony from other women who have publicly accused Weinstein of misconduct.

Hollywood’s Harvey Weinstein had no respite on Thursday when a New York judge rejected his motion to dismiss criminal charges for allegedly sexually assaulting two women.

Hollywood’s Harvey Weinstein had no respite on Thursday when a New York judge rejected his motion to dismiss criminal charges for allegedly sexually assaulting two women. The judge privately told attorneys at a hearing on Thursday that the case would continue. Harvey currently facing five counts of rape and sexual assault. His attorney, Benjamin Brafman built a case on "deeply flawed indictment," saying that charges had been brought upon political pressure. He specifically argued that the Manhattan district attorney failed to turn over exculpatory evidence that includes witnesses and communications that would show consensual relationships with the accusers. In a written decision that followed the hearing, New York Supreme Court Justice James Burke wrote, "The People [of New York] generally enjoy wide discretion in presenting their case and are not required to present exculpatory or mitigating evidence in the Grand Jury. They are not obligated to search for evidence favorable to the defense or to present all evidence in their possession favorable to the accused. The Grand Jury is not an adversarial proceeding and the People do not have the same obligation of disclosure at the Grand Jury stage as they have at the trial stage." The next hearing is now on March 7. The next phase of pretrial proceedings could have prosecutors and the defense warring over the potential for trial testimony from other women who have publicly accused Weinstein of misconduct.

Harvey Weinstein's motion to dismiss assault case rejected

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-police-probing-2004-weinstein-assault-case-22367" target="_blank">The case against disgraced Harvey Weinstein</a> took on an international dimension Thursday, with police in New York and Britain launching investigations -- while <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hollywood-mogul-weinstein-accused-of-rape-21257" target="_blank">the movie mogul was accused of rape</a> by a fourth person.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hollywood-mogul-harvey-weinstein-fired-after-sexual-harassment-claims-21149" target="_blank">An avalanche of claims of sexual harassment</a>, assault and rape by the hugely influential Hollywood producer have surfaced since the publication last week of an explosive New York Times report alleging a history of abusive behaviour dating back decades.

On Thursday, American actress Rose McGowan became the fourth woman to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/everyone-knew-about-weinstein-actress-21317" target="_blank">accuse Weinstein of raping her.</a>

A spokesman for the New York Police Department meanwhile confirmed to AFP it was investigating a 2004 case, but provided no details.

The New York Daily News reported that the case involved aspiring actress Lucia Evans, who earlier told the New Yorker magazine that Weinstein had forced her to perform oral sex on him.

Meantime, a statement from Scotland Yard said the Metropolitan Police were investigating &quot;an allegation of sexual assault by Merseyside Police.&quot; It did not elaborate.&nbsp;

The Daily Telegraph said the case involved an actress now understood to be living in the Liverpool area.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Weinstein was seen in public for the first time in days when paparazzi descended upon him as he left his daughter`s home in Los Angeles.

&quot;Guys, I`m not doing OK but I`m trying,&quot; he said in a video obtained by ABC. &quot;I got to get help. You know what, we all make mistakes.&quot;

As he climbed into an oversized sports utility vehicle, he said he hoped people would give him &quot;a second chance.&quot;

The TMZ website reported that Weinstein later flew to Arizona to enter a rehabilitation center, possibly The Meadows, a facility northwest of Phoenix where golfer Tiger Woods and supermodel Kate

Moss have been treated.The allegations against a man who is a prominent supporter of liberal causes and a major Democratic Party fundraiser sent tremors through the party, with conservatives accusing Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton of waiting too long to disavow Weinstein.&nbsp;

Obama eventually said he was &quot;disgusted&quot; and Clinton that she was &quot;appalled&quot; by the alleged acts.

The allegations against one of the cinema`s titans -- a man whose studio has garnered more than 300 Oscar nominations -- have shaken Hollywood, which has long battled a reputation for exploiting female actors, bypassing female directors and overlooking female-centred scripts.&nbsp;

Weinstein&#39;s accusers include such bold-named actresses as Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mira Sorvino, Kate Beckinsale and actor/singer Ashley Judd.

Meanwhile, Jane Fonda, the two-time Academy Award-winning actress, Thursday told the BBC`s &quot;Hardtalk&quot; program she heard of the accusations against Weinstein a year ago -- admitting she &quot;should&#39;ve been braver&quot; in voicing the claims.

She added she did not publicly speak out to protect his accusers` privacy.

The catalogue of allegations ranges from verbal harassment and physical intimidation to forced sexual contact. Some of the lesser complaints can no longer be prosecuted owing to statutes of limitation.

Along with McGowan and Evans, two other women have accused Weinstein of rape: Italian star Asia Argento and another woman who has remained anonymous.

In New York, there is no statute of limitations in rape cases.

Authorities there have not yet filed charges in the 2004 case, but are encouraging anyone with information to come forward, said J&nbsp;Peter Donald, a New York Police Department spokesman.

California -- responding to the slew of sexual assault allegations against comedian Bill Cosby -- last year ended its statute of limitations for rape cases.&nbsp;

But the change was not retroactive, so most cases 10 years old or older could not be prosecuted. The parallels between Weinstein`s situation and that of Cosby are striking: several presumed victims have come forth in both cases, their complaints reach back decades and both powerful men reached secret settlements with some of their accusers to keep them quiet.

The Weinstein allegations are expected to play out both in criminal and civil courts, drawing in some of his close friends and collaborators.&nbsp;

The producer has been lining up a top-flight defense team. He recently retained the services of a star of the Los Angeles bar, Blair Berk, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Weinstein, like Cosby before him, has insisted that all the sexual contacts that have emerged were consensual. Through a spokeswoman, he has apologized for his behaviour but denied specific charges and threatened to sue the Times.

But with the allegations pouring in, he was fired by the eponymous company he co-founded, and his wife, actress Georgina Chapman, said she plans to divorce him.

Weinstein and his brother Bob, co-founders of Miramax Films, burst onto the indie scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s with films like &quot;Sex, Lies and Videotape,&quot; &quot;Shakespeare in Love&quot; and &quot;Pulp Fiction.&quot;

American actress Rose McGowan became the fourth woman to accuse Weinstein of raping her

The case against disgraced Harvey Weinstein took on an international dimension Thursday, with police in New York and Britain launching investigations -- while the movie mogul was accused of rape by a fourth person. An avalanche of claims of sexual harassment, assault and rape by the hugely influential Hollywood producer have surfaced since the publication last week of an explosive New York Times report alleging a history of abusive behaviour dating back decades. On Thursday, American actress Rose McGowan became the fourth woman to accuse Weinstein of raping her. A spokesman for the New York Police Department meanwhile confirmed to AFP it was investigating a 2004 case, but provided no details. The New York Daily News reported that the case involved aspiring actress Lucia Evans, who earlier told the New Yorker magazine that Weinstein had forced her to perform oral sex on him. Meantime, a statement from Scotland Yard said the Metropolitan Police were investigating "an allegation of sexual assault by Merseyside Police." It did not elaborate. The Daily Telegraph said the case involved an actress now understood to be living in the Liverpool area. On Wednesday, Weinstein was seen in public for the first time in days when paparazzi descended upon him as he left his daughter`s home in Los Angeles. "Guys, I`m not doing OK but I`m trying," he said in a video obtained by ABC. "I got to get help. You know what, we all make mistakes." As he climbed into an oversized sports utility vehicle, he said he hoped people would give him "a second chance." The TMZ website reported that Weinstein later flew to Arizona to enter a rehabilitation center, possibly The Meadows, a facility northwest of Phoenix where golfer Tiger Woods and supermodel Kate Moss have been treated.The allegations against a man who is a prominent supporter of liberal causes and a major Democratic Party fundraiser sent tremors through the party, with conservatives accusing Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton of waiting too long to disavow Weinstein. Obama eventually said he was "disgusted" and Clinton that she was "appalled" by the alleged acts. The allegations against one of the cinema`s titans -- a man whose studio has garnered more than 300 Oscar nominations -- have shaken Hollywood, which has long battled a reputation for exploiting female actors, bypassing female directors and overlooking female-centred scripts. Weinstein's accusers include such bold-named actresses as Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mira Sorvino, Kate Beckinsale and actor/singer Ashley Judd. Meanwhile, Jane Fonda, the two-time Academy Award-winning actress, Thursday told the BBC`s "Hardtalk" program she heard of the accusations against Weinstein a year ago -- admitting she "should've been braver" in voicing the claims. She added she did not publicly speak out to protect his accusers` privacy. The catalogue of allegations ranges from verbal harassment and physical intimidation to forced sexual contact. Some of the lesser complaints can no longer be prosecuted owing to statutes of limitation. Along with McGowan and Evans, two other women have accused Weinstein of rape: Italian star Asia Argento and another woman who has remained anonymous. In New York, there is no statute of limitations in rape cases. Authorities there have not yet filed charges in the 2004 case, but are encouraging anyone with information to come forward, said J Peter Donald, a New York Police Department spokesman. California -- responding to the slew of sexual assault allegations against comedian Bill Cosby -- last year ended its statute of limitations for rape cases. But the change was not retroactive, so most cases 10 years old or older could not be prosecuted. The parallels between Weinstein`s situation and that of Cosby are striking: several presumed victims have come forth in both cases, their complaints reach back decades and both powerful men reached secret settlements with some of their accusers to keep them quiet. The Weinstein allegations are expected to play out both in criminal and civil courts, drawing in some of his close friends and collaborators. The producer has been lining up a top-flight defense team. He recently retained the services of a star of the Los Angeles bar, Blair Berk, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Weinstein, like Cosby before him, has insisted that all the sexual contacts that have emerged were consensual. Through a spokeswoman, he has apologized for his behaviour but denied specific charges and threatened to sue the Times. But with the allegations pouring in, he was fired by the eponymous company he co-founded, and his wife, actress Georgina Chapman, said she plans to divorce him. Weinstein and his brother Bob, co-founders of Miramax Films, burst onto the indie scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s with films like "Sex, Lies and Videotape," "Shakespeare in Love" and "Pulp Fiction."

New York, London police investigating Weinstein amid fourth rape allegation