Jurors at the Los Angeles rape and sexual misconduct trial of Harvey Weinstein have been deliberating for a week without reaching a verdict.

The jury of eight men and four women went home Friday afternoon and will return to resume deliberations on Monday morning.

They must decide on two counts of rape and five other sexual assault counts against the 70-year-old former movie magnate.

The jurors have had no questions for the court that might provide insight into the status of their work.

They got the case at the end of closing arguments on Dec. 2. They have been deliberating for 5 1/2 days, or about 24 hours total.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-jury-mulls-verdict-in-hollywood-rapes-case-539643">Harvey Weinstein jury mulls verdict in Hollywood rapes case</a>

The only issue raised, and the only time the attorneys have returned to the courtroom in a week, came Friday morning when one of the five alternate jurors asked if he could be excused because of travel plans. Weinstein’s lawyers objected, and the judge rejected the request.

Weinstein still has more than 20 years left on his sentence in New York after a rape and sexual assault conviction there that is under appeal.

In California, he could get 60 years to life in prison if he’s convicted on all counts involving all four women he’s charged with assaulting.

All four testified during the trial, along with four other accusers who testified for prosecutors attempting to show a propensity for such acts by Weinstein.

Prosecutors urged jurors to end the “reign of terror” of a man they called a “degenerate rapist.”

Weinstein’s lawyers argued that two of the women’s accusations are entirely fabricated and two others reframed consensual sexual encounters as assault years later, after the #MeToo movement made Weinstein a target.

He has pleaded not guilty and denied engaging in any non-consensual sex.

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Jurors at the Los Angeles rape and sexual misconduct trial of Harvey Weinstein have been deliberating for a week without reaching a verdict. The jury of eight men and four women went home Friday afternoon and will return to resume deliberations on Monday morning.

Jurors at the Los Angeles rape and sexual misconduct trial of Harvey Weinstein have been deliberating for a week without reaching a verdict. The jury of eight men and four women went home Friday afternoon and will return to resume deliberations on Monday morning. They must decide on two counts of rape and five other sexual assault counts against the 70-year-old former movie magnate. The jurors have had no questions for the court that might provide insight into the status of their work. They got the case at the end of closing arguments on Dec. 2. They have been deliberating for 5 1/2 days, or about 24 hours total. Also Read: Harvey Weinstein jury mulls verdict in Hollywood rapes case The only issue raised, and the only time the attorneys have returned to the courtroom in a week, came Friday morning when one of the five alternate jurors asked if he could be excused because of travel plans. Weinstein’s lawyers objected, and the judge rejected the request. Weinstein still has more than 20 years left on his sentence in New York after a rape and sexual assault conviction there that is under appeal. In California, he could get 60 years to life in prison if he’s convicted on all counts involving all four women he’s charged with assaulting. All four testified during the trial, along with four other accusers who testified for prosecutors attempting to show a propensity for such acts by Weinstein. Prosecutors urged jurors to end the “reign of terror” of a man they called a “degenerate rapist.” Weinstein’s lawyers argued that two of the women’s accusations are entirely fabricated and two others reframed consensual sexual encounters as assault years later, after the #MeToo movement made Weinstein a target. He has pleaded not guilty and denied engaging in any non-consensual sex.

Harvey Weinstein rape trial: Jury goes a week with no verdict

The judge in the ongoing Los Angeles sexual assault trial against Harvey Weinstein has advised the jury not to watch the trailer for 'She Said', reported Deadline. The upcoming Maria Schrader directorial is based on the non-fiction book of the same name by the New York Times journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey. It that explores allegations of rape and sexual harassment by dozens of actresses and other women against Weinstein, who was then one of the most powerful men in Hollywood. Already serving a 23-year sentence in an earlier New York trial, Weinstein now faces 11 more charges, including rape and sexual battery, in an LA court.

Written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, the film features Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan in the lead roles of Kantor and Twohey. &nbsp;Patricia Clarkson, Andre Braugher, Jennifer Ehle, and Samantha Morton also star. Ashley Judd appears as herself.

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Judge Lisa Lench told the jury of nine men and three women to not watch the trailer. This was after Weinstein's attorneys tried to delay the case citing concern that the marketing of the film might influence jurors.

'She Said' is set to be released on November 18.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-harvey-weinstein-accuser-breaks-down-after-being-asked-to-furnish-proof-of-sexual-assault-do-you-think-528794">Harvey Weinstein accuser breaks down after being asked to furnish proof of sexual assault: `Do you think...?`</a>

The first woman to testify against Weinstein in the LA trial was a model and actor based in Rome who has accused him of sexually assaulting him in 2013. She claimed that she was staying in a hotel under a pseudonym and was surprised to find Weinstein knocking on her doors. She didn't think much of it, but then Weinstein began to get sexually aggressive. She said that Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex on him.

In the opening arguments, Weinstein's attorney Mark Werksman aimed to discredit the testifying women, saying they are actors and will do a job on the witness stand. And the job, he said, will be to fit the narrative of the #MeToo movement.

The defence argument continued by saying that every sexual encounter of the women with Weinstein was consensual and something that they are embarrassed about so they are lying now.

He rued the fact that the #MeToo movement was "Hollywood's Chernobyl" that has turned Weinstein into a "smouldering radioactive" bad guy.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The judge in the ongoing Los Angeles sexual assault trial against Harvey Weinstein has advised the jury not to watch the trailer for 'She Said', reported Deadline.

The judge in the ongoing Los Angeles sexual assault trial against Harvey Weinstein has advised the jury not to watch the trailer for 'She Said', reported Deadline. The upcoming Maria Schrader directorial is based on the non-fiction book of the same name by the New York Times journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey. It that explores allegations of rape and sexual harassment by dozens of actresses and other women against Weinstein, who was then one of the most powerful men in Hollywood. Already serving a 23-year sentence in an earlier New York trial, Weinstein now faces 11 more charges, including rape and sexual battery, in an LA court. Written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, the film features Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan in the lead roles of Kantor and Twohey. Patricia Clarkson, Andre Braugher, Jennifer Ehle, and Samantha Morton also star. Ashley Judd appears as herself. Judge Lisa Lench told the jury of nine men and three women to not watch the trailer. This was after Weinstein's attorneys tried to delay the case citing concern that the marketing of the film might influence jurors. 'She Said' is set to be released on November 18. Also Read: Harvey Weinstein accuser breaks down after being asked to furnish proof of sexual assault: `Do you think...?` The first woman to testify against Weinstein in the LA trial was a model and actor based in Rome who has accused him of sexually assaulting him in 2013. She claimed that she was staying in a hotel under a pseudonym and was surprised to find Weinstein knocking on her doors. She didn't think much of it, but then Weinstein began to get sexually aggressive. She said that Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex on him. In the opening arguments, Weinstein's attorney Mark Werksman aimed to discredit the testifying women, saying they are actors and will do a job on the witness stand. And the job, he said, will be to fit the narrative of the #MeToo movement. The defence argument continued by saying that every sexual encounter of the women with Weinstein was consensual and something that they are embarrassed about so they are lying now. He rued the fact that the #MeToo movement was "Hollywood's Chernobyl" that has turned Weinstein into a "smouldering radioactive" bad guy.

Harvey Weinstein LA trial: Judge advises jurors not to watch trailer for 'She Said'. Here's why

A model-actor who accused Harvey Weinstein of raping her in 2013 testified in the ongoing trial that made her wanting to "destroy" herself. The woman, who lives in Rome, is the first among the eight women&nbsp;who will testify. They have accused the former film producer of things like rape and sexual assault. As per the Guardian, she claimed that she was staying in a hotel under a pseudonym and was surprised to find Weinstein knocking on her doors. She didn't think much of it, but then Weinstein began to get sexually aggressive. She said that Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex on him.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-look-at-him-hes-not-brad-pitt-harvey-weinstein-defence-argues-accusers-had-transactional-sex-with-him-528146">&nbsp;'Look at him, he's not Brad Pitt': Harvey Weinstein defence argues accusers had 'transactional sex' with him</a>

The woman broke down in tears on Monday and could continue her testimony only on Tuesday.

"I was feeling guilty that I did something or said something that made him think something could happen between us,” the woman said in her testimony.&nbsp;

She added she became hysterical and kept saying "No.”

When prosecutor Paul Thompson asked why didn't she scream or run, she responded, “I don’t know. I regret this a lot.”

“I wanted to die. It was disgusting. It was humiliating," she added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-judge-permits-harvey-weinsteins-former-assistant-to-testify-in-sexual-assault-case-528396">Judge permits Harvey Weinstein's former assistant to testify in sexual assault case</a>

Earlier, in order to discredit in advance the women who are going to testify against Weinstein, his defence argued women's testimonies should not be taken seriously as they are actresses who will play a role in the witness stand and spout a "firehose of false and unprovable allegations”. And the job, he said, will be to fit the narrative of the #MeToo movement.

Weinstein is already serving a 23-year sentence. He was sensationally brought down in 2017 when in exposés in New Yorker and the New York Times, over 80 women accused him of rape, sexual assault and sexual misconduct. After being arrested in 2018, he was charged with rape and other offences. In 2020, in a New York trial, he was sentenced. Now, in the LA trial, he faces 11 more charges, including rape and sexual battery.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-she-said-explores-the-investigation-that-took-down-harvey-weinstein-525582">'She Said' explores the investigation that took down Harvey Weinstein</a>

The defence argument continued by saying that every sexual encounter of the women with Weinstein was consensual and something that they are embarrassed about so they are lying now.

A model-actor who accused Harvey Weinstein of raping her in 2013 testified in the ongoing trial that made her wanting to "destroy" herself. The woman, who lives in Rome, is the first among the eight women who will testify.

A model-actor who accused Harvey Weinstein of raping her in 2013 testified in the ongoing trial that made her wanting to "destroy" herself. The woman, who lives in Rome, is the first among the eight women who will testify. They have accused the former film producer of things like rape and sexual assault. As per the Guardian, she claimed that she was staying in a hotel under a pseudonym and was surprised to find Weinstein knocking on her doors. She didn't think much of it, but then Weinstein began to get sexually aggressive. She said that Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex on him. Also Read: 'Look at him, he's not Brad Pitt': Harvey Weinstein defence argues accusers had 'transactional sex' with him The woman broke down in tears on Monday and could continue her testimony only on Tuesday. "I was feeling guilty that I did something or said something that made him think something could happen between us,” the woman said in her testimony. She added she became hysterical and kept saying "No.” When prosecutor Paul Thompson asked why didn't she scream or run, she responded, “I don’t know. I regret this a lot.” “I wanted to die. It was disgusting. It was humiliating," she added. Also Read: Judge permits Harvey Weinstein's former assistant to testify in sexual assault case Earlier, in order to discredit in advance the women who are going to testify against Weinstein, his defence argued women's testimonies should not be taken seriously as they are actresses who will play a role in the witness stand and spout a "firehose of false and unprovable allegations”. And the job, he said, will be to fit the narrative of the #MeToo movement. Weinstein is already serving a 23-year sentence. He was sensationally brought down in 2017 when in exposés in New Yorker and the New York Times, over 80 women accused him of rape, sexual assault and sexual misconduct. After being arrested in 2018, he was charged with rape and other offences. In 2020, in a New York trial, he was sentenced. Now, in the LA trial, he faces 11 more charges, including rape and sexual battery. Also Read: 'She Said' explores the investigation that took down Harvey Weinstein The defence argument continued by saying that every sexual encounter of the women with Weinstein was consensual and something that they are embarrassed about so they are lying now.

Harvey Weinstein accuser says she wanted to die after former movie mogul assaulted her

A woman who has accused Harvey Weinstein of rape broke down in tears after the former movie producer's attorney grilled her in a cross-examination. The woman has accused Weinstein or raping her in 2013. She is the first among eight women who are testifying against the movie mogul. Weinstein, who is already serving a 23-year imprisonment in the New York trial, is facing charges like rape and sexual battery in Los Angeles. The woman, who is a Rome-based model and actor, had earlier said in her testimony that Weinstein sexually assaulted her in her hotel room. He allegedly forced her to perform oral sex. Now Alan Jackson, Weinstein's attorney, asked her whether she has any physical evidence that proves Weinstein's actions.

He asked her, “You don’t have any physical evidence to present to this jury that any of this happened, do you?” To this, the woman replied in negative. "Any photos," Jackson added. "No", she answered. Then Jackson asked whether she has any video. No, the woman answered, and added, “Do you think somebody after rape makes a video?”

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-harvey-weinstein-accuser-says-she-wanted-to-die-after-former-movie-mogul-assaulted-her-528624">Harvey Weinstein accuser says she wanted to die after former movie mogul assaulted her</a>

She then broke down as she said no to a series of questions asking whether she had any marks on her body like bruises that might validate her accusations.

Jackson then added, "Do you have any physical evidence that you were even with Mr Weinstein?” To that the woman replied she had a jacket but she gave it away.

On the first day of the trial, as well, the woman had broken down while recounting the alleged incident and her testimony continued on Tuesday. She said she was staying in a hotel under a pseudonym and was surprised to find Weinstein knocked on her doors. She didn't think much of it, but then Weinstein began to get sexually aggressive.&nbsp;

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-look-at-him-hes-not-brad-pitt-harvey-weinstein-defence-argues-accusers-had-transactional-sex-with-him-528146">&nbsp;'Look at him, he's not Brad Pitt': Harvey Weinstein defence argues accusers had 'transactional sex' with him</a>

"I was feeling guilty that I did something or said something that made him think something could happen between us,” the woman testified.

Earlier, in order to discredit in advance the women who are going to testify against Weinstein, his defence argued women's testimonies should not be taken seriously as they are actresses who will play a role in the witness stand and spout a "firehose of false and unprovable allegations”. And the job, he said, will be to fit the narrative of the #MeToo movement.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-she-said-explores-the-investigation-that-took-down-harvey-weinstein-525582">'She Said' explores the investigation that took down Harvey Weinstein</a>

Weinstein's downfall began in 2017 when in exposés in New Yorker and the New York Times several women came forward to accuse him of rape, sexual assault and sexual misconduct. His defence has argued that every sexual act was consensual and was '"transactional".

A woman who has accused Harvey Weinstein of rape broke down in tears after the former movie producer's attorney grilled her in a cross-examination. The woman has accused Weinstein or raping her in 2013.

A woman who has accused Harvey Weinstein of rape broke down in tears after the former movie producer's attorney grilled her in a cross-examination. The woman has accused Weinstein or raping her in 2013. She is the first among eight women who are testifying against the movie mogul. Weinstein, who is already serving a 23-year imprisonment in the New York trial, is facing charges like rape and sexual battery in Los Angeles. The woman, who is a Rome-based model and actor, had earlier said in her testimony that Weinstein sexually assaulted her in her hotel room. He allegedly forced her to perform oral sex. Now Alan Jackson, Weinstein's attorney, asked her whether she has any physical evidence that proves Weinstein's actions. He asked her, “You don’t have any physical evidence to present to this jury that any of this happened, do you?” To this, the woman replied in negative. "Any photos," Jackson added. "No", she answered. Then Jackson asked whether she has any video. No, the woman answered, and added, “Do you think somebody after rape makes a video?” Also Read: Harvey Weinstein accuser says she wanted to die after former movie mogul assaulted her She then broke down as she said no to a series of questions asking whether she had any marks on her body like bruises that might validate her accusations. Jackson then added, "Do you have any physical evidence that you were even with Mr Weinstein?” To that the woman replied she had a jacket but she gave it away. On the first day of the trial, as well, the woman had broken down while recounting the alleged incident and her testimony continued on Tuesday. She said she was staying in a hotel under a pseudonym and was surprised to find Weinstein knocked on her doors. She didn't think much of it, but then Weinstein began to get sexually aggressive. Also Read: 'Look at him, he's not Brad Pitt': Harvey Weinstein defence argues accusers had 'transactional sex' with him "I was feeling guilty that I did something or said something that made him think something could happen between us,” the woman testified. Earlier, in order to discredit in advance the women who are going to testify against Weinstein, his defence argued women's testimonies should not be taken seriously as they are actresses who will play a role in the witness stand and spout a "firehose of false and unprovable allegations”. And the job, he said, will be to fit the narrative of the #MeToo movement. Also Read: 'She Said' explores the investigation that took down Harvey Weinstein Weinstein's downfall began in 2017 when in exposés in New Yorker and the New York Times several women came forward to accuse him of rape, sexual assault and sexual misconduct. His defence has argued that every sexual act was consensual and was '"transactional".

Harvey Weinstein accuser breaks down after being asked to furnish proof of sexual assault: 'Do you think...?'

One more woman will be allowed to testify in Harvey Weinstein's rape trial by the judge. 
 
According to Variety, Rowena Chiu, a former assistant of the former Hollywood producer will soon be testifying against Harvey in court. 
 
Chiu will testify in the trial as a supporting, uncharged witness, so the accusations made against Weinstein do not originate from her testimony. But in order to establish a pattern of behaviour over time, supporting witnesses (also referred to informally as "#MeToo witnesses") will testify during the trial, as per Variety. 
 
Although Chiu will be referred to in the case as just "Rowena C.," Variety has used her full name because she has discussed her accusations in the past in a number of media interviews, including a lengthy one with Variety in 2020. (To protect the identities of the female witnesses, the charged witnesses are referred to as "Jane Does," while the uncharged witnesses are identified by their first names and last initials. However, some women have chosen to reveal their true identities to the media.) 
 
According to Variety, following the #MeToo movement, Chiu previously came forward with accusations against Weinstein. She had only met Weinstein twice before she claims he tried to rape her on a business trip in 1998 at the Venice Film Festival; she worked as an assistant at Miramax in the 1990s. 
 
She claims that while they were discussing scripts in a late-night meeting, Weinstein asked her to massage him, pushed her up against the bed, and removed her tights before she was able to flee.&nbsp; 
 
Weinstein disputes that the assault ever took place, as per Variety.Chiu confided in her colleague Zelda Perkins, who was 25 at the time, soon after the alleged incident. Together, the two women took their dispute with Miramax to the next level, retained legal counsel, and were coerced into signing an NDA in exchange for a monetary settlement. 
 
They required Miramax to include provisions in their settlement that they hoped would shield other women from his conduct at work.Chiu kept quiet for more than 20 years out of concern for her family's safety. She finally spoke out in a New York Times op-ed in 2019.&nbsp;

Following Weinstein's conviction, after a jury found him guilty of rape and sexual assault in his New York case in 2020, Chiu violated her NDA to conduct a lengthy interview with Variety.&nbsp;

One more woman will be allowed to testify in Harvey Weinstein's rape trial by the judge. According to Variety, Rowena Chiu, a former assistant of the former Hollywood producer will soon be testifying against Harvey in court.

One more woman will be allowed to testify in Harvey Weinstein's rape trial by the judge. According to Variety, Rowena Chiu, a former assistant of the former Hollywood producer will soon be testifying against Harvey in court. Chiu will testify in the trial as a supporting, uncharged witness, so the accusations made against Weinstein do not originate from her testimony. But in order to establish a pattern of behaviour over time, supporting witnesses (also referred to informally as "#MeToo witnesses") will testify during the trial, as per Variety. Although Chiu will be referred to in the case as just "Rowena C.," Variety has used her full name because she has discussed her accusations in the past in a number of media interviews, including a lengthy one with Variety in 2020. (To protect the identities of the female witnesses, the charged witnesses are referred to as "Jane Does," while the uncharged witnesses are identified by their first names and last initials. However, some women have chosen to reveal their true identities to the media.) According to Variety, following the #MeToo movement, Chiu previously came forward with accusations against Weinstein. She had only met Weinstein twice before she claims he tried to rape her on a business trip in 1998 at the Venice Film Festival; she worked as an assistant at Miramax in the 1990s. She claims that while they were discussing scripts in a late-night meeting, Weinstein asked her to massage him, pushed her up against the bed, and removed her tights before she was able to flee. Weinstein disputes that the assault ever took place, as per Variety.Chiu confided in her colleague Zelda Perkins, who was 25 at the time, soon after the alleged incident. Together, the two women took their dispute with Miramax to the next level, retained legal counsel, and were coerced into signing an NDA in exchange for a monetary settlement. They required Miramax to include provisions in their settlement that they hoped would shield other women from his conduct at work.Chiu kept quiet for more than 20 years out of concern for her family's safety. She finally spoke out in a New York Times op-ed in 2019. Following Weinstein's conviction, after a jury found him guilty of rape and sexual assault in his New York case in 2020, Chiu violated her NDA to conduct a lengthy interview with Variety.

Judge permits Harvey Weinstein's former assistant to testify in sexual assault case

The opening arguments in the Los Angeles trial against convicted sexual predator former Hollywood mogul began on Monday. The disgraced producer was sensationally brought down in 2017 when in exposés in New Yorker and the New York Times, over 80 women accused him of rape, sexual assault and sexual misconduct. After being arrested in 2018, he was charged with rape and other offences. In 2020, in a New York trial, he was sentenced to 23 years in prison. Now, in the LA trial, he faces 11 more charges, including rape and sexual battery. In the opening arguments, Weinstein's defence aimed to discredit in advance the women who are going to testify against him.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-opening-arguments-to-start-in-weinstein-sex-assault-trial-528000">Opening arguments to start in Weinstein sex assault trial</a>

<h2>What did Weinstein's attorney say?</h2>

Mark Werksman said that there is no evidence against Weinstein and the women's testimonies should not be taken seriously as they are actresses who will play a role in the witness stand and spout a "firehose of false and unprovable allegations”. And the job, he said, will be to fit the narrative of the #MeToo movement.

The defence argument continued by saying that every sexual encounter of the women with Weinstein was consensual and something that they are embarrassed about so they are lying now.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-she-said-explores-the-investigation-that-took-down-harvey-weinstein-525582">'She Said' explores the investigation that took down Harvey Weinstein</a>

"Look at my client. He’s not Brad Pitt or George Clooney. Do you think these beautiful women had sex with him because he’s hot? No, it’s because he’s powerful," he said while pointing at Weinstein.

He continued by saying that "back in the day" sex in exchange of roles, which he termed "transactional sex", was common.

“Sex was a commodity for rich and powerful men, like my client,” he said, before adding, "It may have been unpleasant, and now embarrassing. [But] everyone did it. He did it. They did it.”

He rued the fact that the #MeToo movement was "Hollywood's Chernobyl" that has turned Weinstein into a "smouldering radioactive" bad guy.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-mel-gibson-can-testify-against-harvey-weinstein-in-rape-sexual-assault-trial-says-judge-525568">Mel Gibson can testify against Harvey Weinstein in rape, sexual assault trial, says judge</a>

“They have to lie to themselves, to you, to this court. Their hypocrisy will be on full display," he said.

<h2>What did the prosectors say?</h2>

The prosecution's argument was not dissimilar from what we have read about Weinstein's predatory ways ever since the allegations first came to light five years ago. They said Weinstein used his power and influence to prey and sexually assault women and used business meetings as a cover.

The opening arguments in the Los Angeles trial against convicted sexual predator former Hollywood mogul began on Monday. The disgraced producer was sensationally brought down in 2017 when in exposés in New Yorker and the New York Times, over 80 women accused him of rape, sexual assault and sexual misconduct.

The opening arguments in the Los Angeles trial against convicted sexual predator former Hollywood mogul began on Monday. The disgraced producer was sensationally brought down in 2017 when in exposés in New Yorker and the New York Times, over 80 women accused him of rape, sexual assault and sexual misconduct. After being arrested in 2018, he was charged with rape and other offences. In 2020, in a New York trial, he was sentenced to 23 years in prison. Now, in the LA trial, he faces 11 more charges, including rape and sexual battery. In the opening arguments, Weinstein's defence aimed to discredit in advance the women who are going to testify against him. Also Read: Opening arguments to start in Weinstein sex assault trial What did Weinstein's attorney say? Mark Werksman said that there is no evidence against Weinstein and the women's testimonies should not be taken seriously as they are actresses who will play a role in the witness stand and spout a "firehose of false and unprovable allegations”. And the job, he said, will be to fit the narrative of the #MeToo movement. The defence argument continued by saying that every sexual encounter of the women with Weinstein was consensual and something that they are embarrassed about so they are lying now. Also Read: 'She Said' explores the investigation that took down Harvey Weinstein "Look at my client. He’s not Brad Pitt or George Clooney. Do you think these beautiful women had sex with him because he’s hot? No, it’s because he’s powerful," he said while pointing at Weinstein. He continued by saying that "back in the day" sex in exchange of roles, which he termed "transactional sex", was common. “Sex was a commodity for rich and powerful men, like my client,” he said, before adding, "It may have been unpleasant, and now embarrassing. [But] everyone did it. He did it. They did it.” He rued the fact that the #MeToo movement was "Hollywood's Chernobyl" that has turned Weinstein into a "smouldering radioactive" bad guy. Also Read: Mel Gibson can testify against Harvey Weinstein in rape, sexual assault trial, says judge “They have to lie to themselves, to you, to this court. Their hypocrisy will be on full display," he said. What did the prosectors say? The prosecution's argument was not dissimilar from what we have read about Weinstein's predatory ways ever since the allegations first came to light five years ago. They said Weinstein used his power and influence to prey and sexually assault women and used business meetings as a cover.

'Look at him, he's not Brad Pitt': Harvey Weinstein defence argues accusers had 'transactional sex' with him

Veteran Hollywood actor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-mel-gibson-reveals-why-he-said-no-to-james-bond-look-what-happened-to-poor-sean-connery-519227">Mel Gibson</a> will be allowed to testify in support of his friend and one of Harvey Weinstein’s accusers in the ongoing rape and sexual assault trial against disgraced film producer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvey-weinstein-back-on-trial-five-years-after-metoo-movement-shook-up-the-world-523770">Harvey Weinstein</a>, as per the Associated Press. In a Friday ruling by Judge Lisa B. Lench in Los Angeles Superior Court, Gibson's name emerged as one of the witnesses. The accuser, a masseuse, is known as Jane Doe #3 to protect her identity. She has accused Weinstein of sexual battery by restraint (touching an intimate part of a person without their consent while they are restrained).

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/us-harvey-weinstein-sex-assault-trial-opens-in-los-angeles-524213">US: Harvey Weinstein sex assault trial opens in Los Angeles</a>

Before over 80 accusations of rape, sexual assault, and sexual misconduct against him surfaced in October, 2017 through exposes in The New York Times and The New Yorker, Weinstein was one of the most powerful people in Hollywood. He was dismissed from his production company, suspended by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, and banned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. &nbsp;Georgina Chapman, Weinstein's wife, said on October 10, 2017, that she was leaving him. Their divorce was not finalised until 2021.

Allegations against Weinstein, which date back to the 1970s, opened floodgates in the American film industry and launched the #MeToo movement. Dozens of women and men came forward to allege some kind of sexual misconduct against other powerful people in Hollywood like Kevin Spacey, Bryan Singer, Morgan Freeman, James Franco, Aziz Ansari, Matthew Weiner, and so on.&nbsp;

Weinstein, 70, is currently serving a 23-year sentence at Wende Correctional Facility.

As per the prosecutors, Weinstein got a massage from a woman at a hotel in Beverly Hills, California in 2010, he followed her into the bathroom, naked, and masturbated. Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to the charge and has said every sexual activity was consensual.

The lawyers of Weinstein had urged the judge not to allow Gibson, saying what he learned from the masseuse is not a "fresh complaint."

The prosecutors have said that Gibson brought up the name of the movie mogul by chance, leading the woman to display a traumatic response. Gibson gauged from her reaction that she had been sexually assaulted by Weinstein.&nbsp;

Weinstein's attorneys have argued that if Gibson is allowed as a witness, they&nbsp;be allowed to cross-examine him about the anti-Semitic and racist remarks he has made in the past. The prosecutor side argued that the said remarks are not relevant in the current trial and may engender bias against Gibson

Veteran Hollywood actor Mel Gibson will be allowed to testify in support of his friend and one of Harvey Weinstein’s accusers in the ongoing rape and sexual assault trial against disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein, as per the Associated Press.

Veteran Hollywood actor Mel Gibson will be allowed to testify in support of his friend and one of Harvey Weinstein’s accusers in the ongoing rape and sexual assault trial against disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein, as per the Associated Press. In a Friday ruling by Judge Lisa B. Lench in Los Angeles Superior Court, Gibson's name emerged as one of the witnesses. The accuser, a masseuse, is known as Jane Doe #3 to protect her identity. She has accused Weinstein of sexual battery by restraint (touching an intimate part of a person without their consent while they are restrained). Also Read: US: Harvey Weinstein sex assault trial opens in Los Angeles Before over 80 accusations of rape, sexual assault, and sexual misconduct against him surfaced in October, 2017 through exposes in The New York Times and The New Yorker, Weinstein was one of the most powerful people in Hollywood. He was dismissed from his production company, suspended by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, and banned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Georgina Chapman, Weinstein's wife, said on October 10, 2017, that she was leaving him. Their divorce was not finalised until 2021. Allegations against Weinstein, which date back to the 1970s, opened floodgates in the American film industry and launched the #MeToo movement. Dozens of women and men came forward to allege some kind of sexual misconduct against other powerful people in Hollywood like Kevin Spacey, Bryan Singer, Morgan Freeman, James Franco, Aziz Ansari, Matthew Weiner, and so on. Weinstein, 70, is currently serving a 23-year sentence at Wende Correctional Facility. As per the prosecutors, Weinstein got a massage from a woman at a hotel in Beverly Hills, California in 2010, he followed her into the bathroom, naked, and masturbated. Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to the charge and has said every sexual activity was consensual. The lawyers of Weinstein had urged the judge not to allow Gibson, saying what he learned from the masseuse is not a "fresh complaint." The prosecutors have said that Gibson brought up the name of the movie mogul by chance, leading the woman to display a traumatic response. Gibson gauged from her reaction that she had been sexually assaulted by Weinstein. Weinstein's attorneys have argued that if Gibson is allowed as a witness, they be allowed to cross-examine him about the anti-Semitic and racist remarks he has made in the past. The prosecutor side argued that the said remarks are not relevant in the current trial and may engender bias against Gibson

Mel Gibson can testify against Harvey Weinstein in rape, sexual assault trial, says judge

Documentary filmmaker and actress Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who is married to California Governor&nbsp;Gavin Newsom, is among the five accusers who will soon testify at Harvey Weinstein's rape and sexual assault trial. The same was confirmed by&nbsp;Jennifer's attorney who shared that the actress doesn't mind getting named in this trial. The trial began this Monday at&nbsp;Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles, California, and is expected to last two weeks.&nbsp;

"Like many other women, my client was sexually assaulted by Harvey Weinstein at a purported business meeting that turned out to be a trap,"&nbsp;Newsom’s attorney Elizabeth Fegan said in a statement. "She intends to testify at his trial in order to seek some measure of justice for survivors, and as part of her life’s work to improve the lives of women."&nbsp;The news of her involvement in the Weinstein trial was first reported by The Los Angeles Times.

Weinstein,&nbsp;who is currently serving a 23-year prison sentence after a conviction in New York, has pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of rape and sexual assault involving Newsom and four other women.

Newsom, 48, appeared in small roles in dozens of films and television shows between 2002 and 2011. Recently she has directed documentaries including 'The Great American Lie'&nbsp;in 2020 and 'Fair Play'. Both deal with gender in society.

She wrote about her experience with Weinstein in a 2017 essay in the Huffington Post after the New York Times and New Yorker stories made him a magnet of the #MeToo movement but gave few details.

Weinstein, who is being held in a Los Angeles County jail, was brought Monday into court in a wheelchair through a side door and climbed from it carefully into a seat next to one of his lawyers at the defence table. He was wearing a blue suit, which he is allowed to change into from his jail attire during the trial.

He stood with the rest of the room as the first panel of 67 prospective jurors was brought in, but sat down about halfway through the process. He waved at them from his seat when his lawyers introduced them.

The jurors were given a lengthy questionnaire intended to screen out those who need to be dismissed. Both the questions and answers on the forms are private, but previous hearings on its contents revealed that it contains questions on how much media coverage of Weinstein they have seen, and whether they have formed opinions from it, though the judge rejected questions on specific stories and media outlets.

The prosecution will be allowed to introduce as evidence parts of Weinstein’s conviction for rape and sexual assault, where the state’s highest court has agreed to hear his appeal.

The questionnaire also includes a question about a California law that says the testimony alone of a sexual assault victim can be sufficient evidence to convict if a juror believes them.

The jurors were also given a long list of names of witnesses in the coming trial, including those of the accusers to determine whether they have any connection to them. The initial witness list in the case had more than 270 names, though fewer than half that are expected. Most of the prospective witness list has not been made public. 
One witness, Barbara Schneeweiss, a producer on “Project Runway” and other television shows, was present in court early Monday and was told by a judge she was on call to come in at any time.

Two more panels of up to 75 jurors will be brought in Tuesday and Wednesday. Questioning of individual jurors is not expected to begin until next week, and opening statements may not begin for two weeks.

The trial comes five years after women’s stories about Weinstein made the #MeToo movement exploded.

Weinstein is charged with four counts of rape and seven other sexual assault counts.

Most of the incidents in his indictment, like Newsom’s, happened under the guise of business meetings at luxury hotels in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, which Weinstein used as his California headquarters and where he could be seen during awards season and throughout the year. Four of them occurred during Oscars week 2013 when Weinstein releases “Silver Linings Playbook” and “Django Unchained” would win Academy Awards.

(With agency inputs)

Documentary filmmaker and actress Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who is married to California Governor Gavin Newsom, is among the five accusers who will soon testify at Harvey Weinstein's rape and sexual assault trial.

Documentary filmmaker and actress Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who is married to California Governor Gavin Newsom, is among the five accusers who will soon testify at Harvey Weinstein's rape and sexual assault trial. The same was confirmed by Jennifer's attorney who shared that the actress doesn't mind getting named in this trial. The trial began this Monday at Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles, California, and is expected to last two weeks. "Like many other women, my client was sexually assaulted by Harvey Weinstein at a purported business meeting that turned out to be a trap," Newsom’s attorney Elizabeth Fegan said in a statement. "She intends to testify at his trial in order to seek some measure of justice for survivors, and as part of her life’s work to improve the lives of women." The news of her involvement in the Weinstein trial was first reported by The Los Angeles Times. Weinstein, who is currently serving a 23-year prison sentence after a conviction in New York, has pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of rape and sexual assault involving Newsom and four other women. Newsom, 48, appeared in small roles in dozens of films and television shows between 2002 and 2011. Recently she has directed documentaries including 'The Great American Lie' in 2020 and 'Fair Play'. Both deal with gender in society. She wrote about her experience with Weinstein in a 2017 essay in the Huffington Post after the New York Times and New Yorker stories made him a magnet of the #MeToo movement but gave few details. Weinstein, who is being held in a Los Angeles County jail, was brought Monday into court in a wheelchair through a side door and climbed from it carefully into a seat next to one of his lawyers at the defence table. He was wearing a blue suit, which he is allowed to change into from his jail attire during the trial. He stood with the rest of the room as the first panel of 67 prospective jurors was brought in, but sat down about halfway through the process. He waved at them from his seat when his lawyers introduced them. The jurors were given a lengthy questionnaire intended to screen out those who need to be dismissed. Both the questions and answers on the forms are private, but previous hearings on its contents revealed that it contains questions on how much media coverage of Weinstein they have seen, and whether they have formed opinions from it, though the judge rejected questions on specific stories and media outlets. The prosecution will be allowed to introduce as evidence parts of Weinstein’s conviction for rape and sexual assault, where the state’s highest court has agreed to hear his appeal. The questionnaire also includes a question about a California law that says the testimony alone of a sexual assault victim can be sufficient evidence to convict if a juror believes them. The jurors were also given a long list of names of witnesses in the coming trial, including those of the accusers to determine whether they have any connection to them. The initial witness list in the case had more than 270 names, though fewer than half that are expected. Most of the prospective witness list has not been made public. One witness, Barbara Schneeweiss, a producer on “Project Runway” and other television shows, was present in court early Monday and was told by a judge she was on call to come in at any time. Two more panels of up to 75 jurors will be brought in Tuesday and Wednesday. Questioning of individual jurors is not expected to begin until next week, and opening statements may not begin for two weeks. The trial comes five years after women’s stories about Weinstein made the #MeToo movement exploded. Weinstein is charged with four counts of rape and seven other sexual assault counts. Most of the incidents in his indictment, like Newsom’s, happened under the guise of business meetings at luxury hotels in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, which Weinstein used as his California headquarters and where he could be seen during awards season and throughout the year. Four of them occurred during Oscars week 2013 when Weinstein releases “Silver Linings Playbook” and “Django Unchained” would win Academy Awards. (With agency inputs)

Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California Governor's wife, among accusers at Harvey Weinstein's rape trial

Harvey Weinstein serving 23-year long prison term for rape charges. He has been mounted with 4 more rape accusations. Watch this video to know more.

Harvey Weinstein serving prison term for rape charges, mounted with more rape accusations

Jurors in the sexual assault trial of former movie producer Harvey Weinstein is expected to begin their fifth day of deliberations on Monday, after suggesting last week they were deadlocked on the most serious charges in the case. 
 
The seven men and five women on the jury began deliberating in criminal court in Manhattan on Tuesday. 
 
On Friday, they asked the judge whether they could be hung on two counts of predatory sexual assault and unanimous on the others, which include first-degree rape. 
 
Conviction on the predatory assault charges, which carry a potential life sentence, would indicate that Weinstein is a repeat sexual offender. Two of the other three charges carry prison terms of up to 25 years; a third carries a sentence of up to 4 years. 
 
Four legal experts said the jury`s questions suggested they were nearing a guilty verdict on at least one of the five counts against the producer of movies including "The English Patient" and "Shakespeare in Love." 
 
Weinstein has denied the charges. A source within Weinstein`s defence team said speculation about the verdict would be "premature and a mistake." 
 
Paul Callan, a former prosecutor, said an acquittal is still possible since deliberations resume and "anything can happen after a weekend of reflection." 
 
During the weeks-long trial, Mimi Haleyi, a former production assistant, testified that Weinstein invited her to his Manhattan home in 2006 and then backed her into a bedroom and forcibly performed oral sex on her. 
 
Jessica Mann said that soon after meeting Weinstein she began an "extremely degrading" relationship with him that never included intercourse until, she alleged, he raped her in March 2013. 
 
Another accuser, Annabella Sciorra, best known for her role in HBO`s "The Sopranos," testified that Weinstein came to her New York apartment one winter night in 1993 or 1994, raped her and then forced oral sex on her. 
 
That accusation is too old to be charged as a separate crime but was introduced by prosecutors as an aggravating factor for the predatory sexual assault charges. 
 
Jurors appeared to focus on Sciorra`s allegations on Thursday and Friday, asking to review extensive evidence related to her. 
Jurors can convict Weinstein of predatory sexual assault if they find that he committed the alleged assault against Sciorra and at least one of the alleged crimes against Haleyi or Mann. 
 
Defence lawyer Michael Bachner, who is not involved in the case, said it seemed the jury had decided to convict Weinstein on the counts related to the individual complainants. 
 
"Otherwise there really would be no reason for them to be considering the testimony of Ms Sciorra," Bachner said on Friday. 
 
Another legal expert, defence attorney Julie Rendelman agreed that a conviction on one of the lesser charges was likely and said the jurors might be confused by the complexity of the predatory sexual assault charges. 
 
Another, defence attorney Gerald Lefcourt, described the verdict sheet as unusually complicated. 
 
Since 2017, more than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. He has denied the accusations and said any sexual encounters were consensual. 
 
The allegations fueled the #MeToo movement, in which women have accused powerful men in business, entertainment, media and politics of sexual misconduct.

Jurors in the sexual assault trial of former movie producer Harvey Weinstein is expected to begin their fifth day of deliberations on Monday, after suggesting last week they were deadlocked on the most serious charges in the case.

Jurors in the sexual assault trial of former movie producer Harvey Weinstein is expected to begin their fifth day of deliberations on Monday, after suggesting last week they were deadlocked on the most serious charges in the case. The seven men and five women on the jury began deliberating in criminal court in Manhattan on Tuesday. On Friday, they asked the judge whether they could be hung on two counts of predatory sexual assault and unanimous on the others, which include first-degree rape. Conviction on the predatory assault charges, which carry a potential life sentence, would indicate that Weinstein is a repeat sexual offender. Two of the other three charges carry prison terms of up to 25 years; a third carries a sentence of up to 4 years. Four legal experts said the jury`s questions suggested they were nearing a guilty verdict on at least one of the five counts against the producer of movies including "The English Patient" and "Shakespeare in Love." Weinstein has denied the charges. A source within Weinstein`s defence team said speculation about the verdict would be "premature and a mistake." Paul Callan, a former prosecutor, said an acquittal is still possible since deliberations resume and "anything can happen after a weekend of reflection." During the weeks-long trial, Mimi Haleyi, a former production assistant, testified that Weinstein invited her to his Manhattan home in 2006 and then backed her into a bedroom and forcibly performed oral sex on her. Jessica Mann said that soon after meeting Weinstein she began an "extremely degrading" relationship with him that never included intercourse until, she alleged, he raped her in March 2013. Another accuser, Annabella Sciorra, best known for her role in HBO`s "The Sopranos," testified that Weinstein came to her New York apartment one winter night in 1993 or 1994, raped her and then forced oral sex on her. That accusation is too old to be charged as a separate crime but was introduced by prosecutors as an aggravating factor for the predatory sexual assault charges. Jurors appeared to focus on Sciorra`s allegations on Thursday and Friday, asking to review extensive evidence related to her. Jurors can convict Weinstein of predatory sexual assault if they find that he committed the alleged assault against Sciorra and at least one of the alleged crimes against Haleyi or Mann. Defence lawyer Michael Bachner, who is not involved in the case, said it seemed the jury had decided to convict Weinstein on the counts related to the individual complainants. "Otherwise there really would be no reason for them to be considering the testimony of Ms Sciorra," Bachner said on Friday. Another legal expert, defence attorney Julie Rendelman agreed that a conviction on one of the lesser charges was likely and said the jurors might be confused by the complexity of the predatory sexual assault charges. Another, defence attorney Gerald Lefcourt, described the verdict sheet as unusually complicated. Since 2017, more than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. He has denied the accusations and said any sexual encounters were consensual. The allegations fueled the #MeToo movement, in which women have accused powerful men in business, entertainment, media and politics of sexual misconduct.

Jury in Weinstein case to keep deliberating after deadlock on most serious charges

The jury in former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein`s rape trial finished its first day of deliberations on Tuesday, in a case that has become a milestone for the #MeToo movement. 
 
The Manhattan jury of seven men and five women began their discussions after the judge hearing the case warned Weinstein`s lead defence lawyer, Donna Rotunno, against talking to the press until jurors have reached a verdict. 
 
The warning came two days after the attorney wrote an opinion piece about the case in Newsweek magazine. 
 
“I would caution you about the tentacles of your public relations juggernaut," Justice James Burke told Rotunno. 
 
Rotunno told Burke that the opinion piece, published on Saturday and titled "Jurors in my client Harvey Weinstein`s case must look past the headlines," was not intended to address the jury directly. 
 
"This is an op-ed about the jury system as a whole, about the criminal justice system as a whole," she said. 
 
Prosecutor Joan Illuzzi asked Burke to revoke Weinstein`s bail and jail him, saying he must have approved the Newsweek opinion piece, which she said "borders on tampering with the jury." The judge did not act on the request. 
 
Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and raping Jessica Mann, a onetime aspiring actress, in 2013. 
 
After court wrapped up on Tuesday, Weinstein replied that he was feeling "good" when asked how he was feeling now that the case was in the jury`s hands. 
 
He faces life in prison if convicted on the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault. 
 
A unanimous verdict is needed for a conviction. 
 
Since 2017, more than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. Weinstein, who was behind films including "The English Patient" and "Shakespeare in Love," has denied the allegations and said any sexual encounters were consensual. 
 
The allegations fuelled the #MeToo movement, in which women have accused powerful men in business, entertainment, media and politics of sexual misconduct. 
 
After deliberating for less than an hour, the jury sent a note asking for clarification of their legal instructions, which Burke provided. 
Later in the afternoon, they requested exhibits, including a blueprint of the apartment where Weinstein allegedly assaulted Haleyi and a 2017 email he sent to a private investigator with a list of women highlighted as "red flags." 
 
The list included Annabella Sciorra, who testified that Weinstein entered her New York apartment one winter night in 1993 or 1994 and raped her. The accusation is too old to be charged as a separate crime, but it could act as an aggravating factor to support a charge of predatory sexual assault. 
 
Prosecutors have said the email is evidence that Weinstein tried to prevent Sciorra and other accusers from going public with their accusations. 
 
Last week, jurors heard closing arguments from lawyers on both sides. Defence attorney Rotunno argued that the encounters had been consensual, pointing to friendly communications from the women to Weinstein after they were allegedly assaulted. She assailed the credibility of the accusers and urged the jury to put aside their emotions and use common sense in evaluating the evidence. 
 
Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi urged jurors to convict Weinstein, saying the once-powerful producer used his position in the film industry to prey on women and that those who testified against him had no reason to lie.

The jury in former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein`s rape trial finished its first day of deliberations on Tuesday, in a case that has become a milestone for the #MeToo movement.

The jury in former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein`s rape trial finished its first day of deliberations on Tuesday, in a case that has become a milestone for the #MeToo movement. The Manhattan jury of seven men and five women began their discussions after the judge hearing the case warned Weinstein`s lead defence lawyer, Donna Rotunno, against talking to the press until jurors have reached a verdict. The warning came two days after the attorney wrote an opinion piece about the case in Newsweek magazine. “I would caution you about the tentacles of your public relations juggernaut," Justice James Burke told Rotunno. Rotunno told Burke that the opinion piece, published on Saturday and titled "Jurors in my client Harvey Weinstein`s case must look past the headlines," was not intended to address the jury directly. "This is an op-ed about the jury system as a whole, about the criminal justice system as a whole," she said. Prosecutor Joan Illuzzi asked Burke to revoke Weinstein`s bail and jail him, saying he must have approved the Newsweek opinion piece, which she said "borders on tampering with the jury." The judge did not act on the request. Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and raping Jessica Mann, a onetime aspiring actress, in 2013. After court wrapped up on Tuesday, Weinstein replied that he was feeling "good" when asked how he was feeling now that the case was in the jury`s hands. He faces life in prison if convicted on the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault. A unanimous verdict is needed for a conviction. Since 2017, more than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. Weinstein, who was behind films including "The English Patient" and "Shakespeare in Love," has denied the allegations and said any sexual encounters were consensual. The allegations fuelled the #MeToo movement, in which women have accused powerful men in business, entertainment, media and politics of sexual misconduct. After deliberating for less than an hour, the jury sent a note asking for clarification of their legal instructions, which Burke provided. Later in the afternoon, they requested exhibits, including a blueprint of the apartment where Weinstein allegedly assaulted Haleyi and a 2017 email he sent to a private investigator with a list of women highlighted as "red flags." The list included Annabella Sciorra, who testified that Weinstein entered her New York apartment one winter night in 1993 or 1994 and raped her. The accusation is too old to be charged as a separate crime, but it could act as an aggravating factor to support a charge of predatory sexual assault. Prosecutors have said the email is evidence that Weinstein tried to prevent Sciorra and other accusers from going public with their accusations. Last week, jurors heard closing arguments from lawyers on both sides. Defence attorney Rotunno argued that the encounters had been consensual, pointing to friendly communications from the women to Weinstein after they were allegedly assaulted. She assailed the credibility of the accusers and urged the jury to put aside their emotions and use common sense in evaluating the evidence. Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi urged jurors to convict Weinstein, saying the once-powerful producer used his position in the film industry to prey on women and that those who testified against him had no reason to lie.

Harvey Weinstein case: Jury concludes first day of deliberations in rape trial

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" /> 
<img alt="h" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0d76f025-f225-4ceb-9ed2-e9b012b74633" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-04T093717.244.jpg" /> 
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'

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

Harvey Weinstein rape trial continues as now a new popular face crops up in the name of potential jurors -- supermodel Gigi Hadid.

Gigi is among 120 potential jurors who were called on Monday for the Harvey Weinstein trial.

On the issue, Gigi was reported to have met the former film producer inside the Manhattan courtroom.

When Gigi was asked if she could be fair and impartial by judge James Burke, the model said, “yes.”

The judge then listed out names of others on the list and asked if Gigi knew any of them. She told the judge that she knew Salma Hayek. She said, "I have met Salma Hayek.”

Gigi Hadid was among 35 potential jurors who were asked to fill out a jury questionnaire and return to court on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/did-zayn-malik-gigi-hadid-confirm-their-relationship-with-these-date-night-pictures-274114">Also read: Did Zayn Malik, Gigi Hadid confirm their relationship with these date night pictures?</a>

Harvey Weinstein, 67, is currently on trial for allegedly raping a woman in 2013 and sexually assaulting another woman in 2006. His was among the first name that cropped up in #MeToo movement when women of Hollywood came out with<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-women-at-the-heart-of-the-harvey-weinstein-trial-271772"> sexual abuse and harassment stories.</a>

<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: Harvey Weinstein charged with rape in LA; could face up to 28 years in prison</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-to-martin-scorsese-host-ricky-gervais-spares-no-one-at-golden-globes-272469">Harvey Weinstein to Martin Scorsese, host Ricky Gervais spares no one at Golden Globes</a>

Harvey Weinstein rape trial continues as now a new popular face crops up in the name of potential jurors -- supermodel Gigi Hadid. Gigi is among 120 potential jurors who were called on Monday for the Harvey Weinstein trial.

Harvey Weinstein rape trial continues as now a new popular face crops up in the name of potential jurors -- supermodel Gigi Hadid. Gigi is among 120 potential jurors who were called on Monday for the Harvey Weinstein trial. On the issue, Gigi was reported to have met the former film producer inside the Manhattan courtroom. When Gigi was asked if she could be fair and impartial by judge James Burke, the model said, “yes.” The judge then listed out names of others on the list and asked if Gigi knew any of them. She told the judge that she knew Salma Hayek. She said, "I have met Salma Hayek.” Gigi Hadid was among 35 potential jurors who were asked to fill out a jury questionnaire and return to court on Thursday. Also read: Did Zayn Malik, Gigi Hadid confirm their relationship with these date night pictures? Harvey Weinstein, 67, is currently on trial for allegedly raping a woman in 2013 and sexually assaulting another woman in 2006. His was among the first name that cropped up in #MeToo movement when women of Hollywood came out with sexual abuse and harassment stories. Also read: Harvey Weinstein charged with rape in LA; could face up to 28 years in prison Harvey Weinstein to Martin Scorsese, host Ricky Gervais spares no one at Golden Globes

Gigi Hadid among potential jurors in the Harvey Weinstein rape trial

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's high-profile sex crimes trial opens on Monday, more than two years after the scandal&nbsp;triggered the #MeToo movement that led to the downfall of dozens of powerful men. 
 
The disgraced movie mogul faces life in prison if convicted of predatory sexual assault charges by a New York state court, in what is expected to be a six-week trial. 
 
Almost 90 women, including Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow, have accused the 67-year-old of sexual misconduct since The New York Times detailed allegations against him in October 2017. 
 
But Weinstein, once one of Hollywood's powerful people, is being tried on charges related to just two women, highlighting the difficulty of building cases&nbsp;around incidents going back years. 
 
Former production assistant Mimi Haleyi alleges that&nbsp;the "Pulp Fiction" producer forcibly performed oral sex on her in his New York apartment in July 2006. 
 
The second alleged victim is anonymous. She says Weinstein, the co-founder of Miramax Films, raped her in a New York hotel room in March 2013. 
 
The indictment was amended in August to include testimony from "The Sopranos" actress Annabella Sciorra as the prosecution seeks to convince the jury that Weinstein engaged in a pattern of predatory sexual behavior. 
 
A conviction would&nbsp;signal a watershed moment for the #MeToo movement in the fight against sexual harassment and abuse of power in Hollywood and beyond. 
 
Since the movement emerged from a deluge of allegations against Weinstein, almost all men felled from their positions, be it in the world of entertainment or business, have escaped prosecution. 
 
The only other trial on the horizon is that of R&amp;B singer R&nbsp;Kelly, who was charged last year with several assaults on young women, but allegations of sexual impropriety have dogged him for years. 
 
American comedian Bill Cosby was sentenced to at least three years in prison in September 2018, although proceedings had started in late 2015, two years before the post-Weinstein surge of allegations. 
 
- Unlikely to testify - 
 
"It's a&nbsp;case&nbsp;that&nbsp;will be&nbsp;covered&nbsp;all (over) the world," lawyer Gloria Allred, who represents Haleyi and Sciorra, told AFP. 
 
Justice James Burke dismissed attempts by the defense to block Sciorra, who says Weinstein raped her in the winter of 1993-94, from giving evidence as a corroborating witness. 
 
The prosecution will summon three other alleged victims, including one who says she was raped by Weinstein in California in 2013. The other two allegations are unknown at this stage. 
 
Weinstein himself is unlikely to testify. 
 
His defense team has been trying to undermine the allegations of the two accusers on the charge sheet since long before the start of the trial. 
 
They have produced emails and text messages which they say show that both remained in friendly contact with the accused for several months after the alleged events. 
 
Known for his impatience and quick temper, Weinstein changed lawyers several times before settling on Donna Rotunno, a Chicago attorney who has successfully defended dozens of men accused of sexual assault and harassment. 
 
She has said that her client will be exonerated. 
 
Weinstein has always maintained that his sexual relationships were consensual but has apologized for behavior that he concedes "has caused a lot of pain." 
 
He sparked an outcry just weeks before the trial by appearing indignant in an interview with the New York Post tabloid when he moaned that he should be recognized for "pioneering" women-led films. 
 
"The jurors and the judge are supposed to ignore this. But we know very well that it is impossible," Joseph Cabosky, a strategic communications professor at the University of North Carolina, told AFP.

Harvey Weinstein's high-profile sex crimes trial opens on Monday, more than two years after the scandal triggered the #MeToo movement that led to the downfall of dozens of powerful men.

Harvey Weinstein's high-profile sex crimes trial opens on Monday, more than two years after the scandal triggered the #MeToo movement that led to the downfall of dozens of powerful men. The disgraced movie mogul faces life in prison if convicted of predatory sexual assault charges by a New York state court, in what is expected to be a six-week trial. Almost 90 women, including Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow, have accused the 67-year-old of sexual misconduct since The New York Times detailed allegations against him in October 2017. But Weinstein, once one of Hollywood's powerful people, is being tried on charges related to just two women, highlighting the difficulty of building cases around incidents going back years. Former production assistant Mimi Haleyi alleges that the "Pulp Fiction" producer forcibly performed oral sex on her in his New York apartment in July 2006. The second alleged victim is anonymous. She says Weinstein, the co-founder of Miramax Films, raped her in a New York hotel room in March 2013. The indictment was amended in August to include testimony from "The Sopranos" actress Annabella Sciorra as the prosecution seeks to convince the jury that Weinstein engaged in a pattern of predatory sexual behavior. A conviction would signal a watershed moment for the #MeToo movement in the fight against sexual harassment and abuse of power in Hollywood and beyond. Since the movement emerged from a deluge of allegations against Weinstein, almost all men felled from their positions, be it in the world of entertainment or business, have escaped prosecution. The only other trial on the horizon is that of R&B singer R Kelly, who was charged last year with several assaults on young women, but allegations of sexual impropriety have dogged him for years. American comedian Bill Cosby was sentenced to at least three years in prison in September 2018, although proceedings had started in late 2015, two years before the post-Weinstein surge of allegations. - Unlikely to testify - "It's a case that will be covered all (over) the world," lawyer Gloria Allred, who represents Haleyi and Sciorra, told AFP. Justice James Burke dismissed attempts by the defense to block Sciorra, who says Weinstein raped her in the winter of 1993-94, from giving evidence as a corroborating witness. The prosecution will summon three other alleged victims, including one who says she was raped by Weinstein in California in 2013. The other two allegations are unknown at this stage. Weinstein himself is unlikely to testify. His defense team has been trying to undermine the allegations of the two accusers on the charge sheet since long before the start of the trial. They have produced emails and text messages which they say show that both remained in friendly contact with the accused for several months after the alleged events. Known for his impatience and quick temper, Weinstein changed lawyers several times before settling on Donna Rotunno, a Chicago attorney who has successfully defended dozens of men accused of sexual assault and harassment. She has said that her client will be exonerated. Weinstein has always maintained that his sexual relationships were consensual but has apologized for behavior that he concedes "has caused a lot of pain." He sparked an outcry just weeks before the trial by appearing indignant in an interview with the New York Post tabloid when he moaned that he should be recognized for "pioneering" women-led films. "The jurors and the judge are supposed to ignore this. But we know very well that it is impossible," Joseph Cabosky, a strategic communications professor at the University of North Carolina, told AFP.

Harvey Weinstein faces justice two years after scandal erupted

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