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

A US court on Monday found ex-Hollywood producer Harvey <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-jury-in-weinstein-case-to-keep-deliberating-after-deadlock-on-most-serious-charges-282438">Weinstein</a> guilty of sexual assault and rape.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/brad-pitt-explains-why-he-confronted-harvey-weinstein-after-gwyneth-paltrows-accusations-250797">Also Read:&nbsp;Brad Pitt explains why he 'confronted' Harvey Weinstein after Gwyneth Paltrow's accusations</a>

A New York jury convicted Weinstein, 67, of sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and raping Jessica Mann, 34, in the case which triggered the #MeToo movement.

Mann had described Weinstein as a "Jekyll and Hyde" character and had said that she entered into an "extremely degrading" relationship with him and she was raped in 2013.&nbsp;

Haleyi had alleged that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-case-jury-concludes-first-day-of-deliberations-in-rape-trial-281459">Weinstein</a> forcibly performed oral sex on her in July 2006.

Weinstein now faces upto 25 years in prison. The former Hollywood mogul was however acquitted in the predatory sexual assault charge which carried a potential life sentence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-women-at-the-heart-of-the-harvey-weinstein-trial-271772">Also Read:&nbsp;The women at the heart of the Harvey Weinstein trial</a>

The twelve member jury found the producer guilty of criminal sexual acts in the first degree and rape in the third degree which was seen as a victory for the #MeToo movememnt which spread worldwide.

Over 80 women had accused the &nbsp;"Pulp Fiction" producer of sexual misconduct going back decades. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/new-york-prosecutor-says-former-movie-producer-harvey-weinstein-abused-his-power-280778">Weinstein</a> had maintained that all his sexual relationships were consensual.

A US court on Monday found ex-Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein guilty of sexual assault and rape. Also Read: Brad Pitt explains why he 'confronted' Harvey Weinstein after Gwyneth Paltrow's accusations A New York jury convicted Weinstein, 67, of sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and raping Jessica Mann, 34, in the case which triggered the #MeToo movement.

A US court on Monday found ex-Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein guilty of sexual assault and rape. Also Read: Brad Pitt explains why he 'confronted' Harvey Weinstein after Gwyneth Paltrow's accusations A New York jury convicted Weinstein, 67, of sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and raping Jessica Mann, 34, in the case which triggered the #MeToo movement. Mann had described Weinstein as a "Jekyll and Hyde" character and had said that she entered into an "extremely degrading" relationship with him and she was raped in 2013. Haleyi had alleged that Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on her in July 2006. Weinstein now faces upto 25 years in prison. The former Hollywood mogul was however acquitted in the predatory sexual assault charge which carried a potential life sentence. Also Read: The women at the heart of the Harvey Weinstein trial The twelve member jury found the producer guilty of criminal sexual acts in the first degree and rape in the third degree which was seen as a victory for the #MeToo movememnt which spread worldwide. Over 80 women had accused the "Pulp Fiction" producer of sexual misconduct going back decades. Weinstein had maintained that all his sexual relationships were consensual.

Harvey Weinstein found guilty of sexual assault, rape

Harvey Weinstein, 66, the most public figure associated with the #MeToo movement has finally been punished. The media mogul has been charged with rape and other sex crimes, for which he could face up to 28 years in prison. A district court has charged Weinstein with raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in separate incidents over a two-day period in 2013. #Weinstein #WeinsteinInPrison #HarveyWeinstein #MeToo

Weinstein could face 28 years in prison for rape in LA

After two years of legal battle, Harvey Weinstein and the board of his collapsed film studio have reached a preliminary $25 million settlement agreement with dozens of his alleged victims of sexual harassment. The agreement would not require the Hollywood producer to admit wrongdoing or pay anything to his accusers himself, according to lawyers involved in the negotiations.

Weinstein to pay his way out of 'MeToo' with $25 million deal

&nbsp;A Harvard law professor who joined the legal team defending Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein against sexual assault charges will not be allowed to continue as dean of a residential house on campus, a university official said on Saturday.&nbsp;

The Ivy League university`s move to end the role of law professor Ronald Sullivan Jr and law school lecturer Stephanie Robinson, Sullivan`s wife, at Winthrop House follows protests over his representation of Weinstein.

Sullivan and Robinson in 2009 became the first African-American faculty deans in Harvard history when they took their positions at Winthrop House, one of several undergraduate residences at the Cambridge, Massachusetts, university.

Their terms as faculty deans were scheduled to end on June 30. Harvard College Dean Rakesh Khurana said in a statement that he had decided not to keep them in their roles at Winthrop House beyond that date.&nbsp;

"Over the last few weeks, students and staff have continued to communicate concerns about the climate in Winthrop House to the college," Khurana said.

"The concerns expressed have been serious and numerous. The actions that have been taken to improve the climate have been ineffective, and the noticeable lack of faculty dean presence during critical moments has further deteriorated the climate in the house," Khurana said.

Khurana has previously said Sullivan`s decision to join Weinstein`s legal team was a matter of academic freedom and that everyone is entitled to a vigorous legal defence. Sullivan and Robinson continue to hold their positions at Harvard Law School.

Sullivan and Robinson said in a joint statement that they were "surprised and dismayed" by the decision.

"We believed the discussions we were having with high-level university representatives were progressing in a positive manner, but Harvard unilaterally ended those talks," they said.&nbsp;

In January, a judge approved Weinstein`s request to have Sullivan join his legal team.

Prosecutors in New York accuse Weinstein, 67, of forcibly performing oral sex on a woman in 2006 and raping another woman in 2013.

Weinstein faces five criminal charges, including rape, and could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.&nbsp;

More than 70 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. He has denied all accusations and said any contact was consensual.

Students at Winthrop House staged a sit-in this month to protest Sullivan`s defence of Weinstein, according to a report at the time in the Harvard Crimson student newspaper. Students denounced Sullivan in other actions earlier this year. 
 
 
&nbsp;

A Harvard law professor who joined the legal team defending Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein against sexual assault charges will not be allowed to continue as dean of a residential house on campus, a university official said on Saturday.

A Harvard law professor who joined the legal team defending Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein against sexual assault charges will not be allowed to continue as dean of a residential house on campus, a university official said on Saturday. The Ivy League university`s move to end the role of law professor Ronald Sullivan Jr and law school lecturer Stephanie Robinson, Sullivan`s wife, at Winthrop House follows protests over his representation of Weinstein. Sullivan and Robinson in 2009 became the first African-American faculty deans in Harvard history when they took their positions at Winthrop House, one of several undergraduate residences at the Cambridge, Massachusetts, university. Their terms as faculty deans were scheduled to end on June 30. Harvard College Dean Rakesh Khurana said in a statement that he had decided not to keep them in their roles at Winthrop House beyond that date. "Over the last few weeks, students and staff have continued to communicate concerns about the climate in Winthrop House to the college," Khurana said. "The concerns expressed have been serious and numerous. The actions that have been taken to improve the climate have been ineffective, and the noticeable lack of faculty dean presence during critical moments has further deteriorated the climate in the house," Khurana said. Khurana has previously said Sullivan`s decision to join Weinstein`s legal team was a matter of academic freedom and that everyone is entitled to a vigorous legal defence. Sullivan and Robinson continue to hold their positions at Harvard Law School. Sullivan and Robinson said in a joint statement that they were "surprised and dismayed" by the decision. "We believed the discussions we were having with high-level university representatives were progressing in a positive manner, but Harvard unilaterally ended those talks," they said. In January, a judge approved Weinstein`s request to have Sullivan join his legal team. Prosecutors in New York accuse Weinstein, 67, of forcibly performing oral sex on a woman in 2006 and raping another woman in 2013. Weinstein faces five criminal charges, including rape, and could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. More than 70 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. He has denied all accusations and said any contact was consensual. Students at Winthrop House staged a sit-in this month to protest Sullivan`s defence of Weinstein, according to a report at the time in the Harvard Crimson student newspaper. Students denounced Sullivan in other actions earlier this year.

Harvard professor loses house dean role after joining Weinstein defense

A federal judge in Los Angeles on Wednesday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/american-actress-ashley-judd-sues-harvey-weinstein-for-defamation-sexual-harassment-133865">dismissed actress Ashley Judd's sexual </a>harassment claims in a civil lawsuit she had brought against movie producer Harvey Weinstein.

The judge said, however, that Judd could proceed<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/harvey-weinstein-denies-blacklisting-actresses-ashley-judd-mira-sorvino-26873"> with a defamation claim in the lawsuit</a>. Judd had accused Weinstein of defaming her in 1998 after she refused what she said were his sexual advances.

In the civil lawsuit filed&nbsp;last year in April, the Hollywood star had accused Weinstein of smearing her reputation by discouraging director Peter Jackson from casting her in his blockbuster movie franchise "The Lord of the Rings."

Phyllis Kupferstein, an attorney for Weinstein who had sought to have the lawsuit dismissed, had argued at a hearing that the alleged defamation was barred by the statute of limitations.

The lawsuit claimed that her career was undermined by not landing a part in the multi-billion dollar franchise "The Lord of the Rings," and she accused Weinstein of sexually harassing her in violation of a California law barring such conduct by a person in a "business, service or professional relationship" with another.

Judd also claimed that Weinstein made sexual advances toward her when she met him at a hotel to discuss potential film roles, but Gutierrez ruled that would not have been covered by the California sexual harassment law. His order, however, allowed Judd to file an amended complaint within a month showing why the statute should apply.

Judd starred in 1990s thrillers "Kiss the Girls" and "Double Jeopardy."

A number of women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. He has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone.

Judd was one of the first women in October 2017 to publicly accuse Weinstein of sexual misconduct, helping give rise to the #MeToo social media movement against sexual misconduct that has contributed to the downfall of several leading figures in media, entertainment, politics and corporate America.

A federal judge in Los Angeles on Wednesday dismissed actress Ashley Judd's sexual harassment claims in a civil lawsuit she had brought against movie producer Harvey Weinstein.

A federal judge in Los Angeles on Wednesday dismissed actress Ashley Judd's sexual harassment claims in a civil lawsuit she had brought against movie producer Harvey Weinstein. The judge said, however, that Judd could proceed with a defamation claim in the lawsuit. Judd had accused Weinstein of defaming her in 1998 after she refused what she said were his sexual advances. In the civil lawsuit filed last year in April, the Hollywood star had accused Weinstein of smearing her reputation by discouraging director Peter Jackson from casting her in his blockbuster movie franchise "The Lord of the Rings." Phyllis Kupferstein, an attorney for Weinstein who had sought to have the lawsuit dismissed, had argued at a hearing that the alleged defamation was barred by the statute of limitations. The lawsuit claimed that her career was undermined by not landing a part in the multi-billion dollar franchise "The Lord of the Rings," and she accused Weinstein of sexually harassing her in violation of a California law barring such conduct by a person in a "business, service or professional relationship" with another. Judd also claimed that Weinstein made sexual advances toward her when she met him at a hotel to discuss potential film roles, but Gutierrez ruled that would not have been covered by the California sexual harassment law. His order, however, allowed Judd to file an amended complaint within a month showing why the statute should apply. Judd starred in 1990s thrillers "Kiss the Girls" and "Double Jeopardy." A number of women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. He has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone. Judd was one of the first women in October 2017 to publicly accuse Weinstein of sexual misconduct, helping give rise to the #MeToo social media movement against sexual misconduct that has contributed to the downfall of several leading figures in media, entertainment, politics and corporate America.

US judge dismisses Ashley Judd's sexual harassment claim against Weinstein

On Thursday, the onetime Hollywood heavyweight producer will be back in a New York courtroom as his star attorney Ben Brafman asks a judge to dismiss the sex assault charges against his client.

Brafman says police misconduct, specifically the work of one investigator, has "irreparably tainted" the case.

He will face off with prosecutors before Manhattan criminal court Judge James Burke for a hearing that could be a game changer for the 66-year-old&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/defense-seeks-to-toss-all-weinstein-sex-charges-175717">Weinstein</a>, who could face life in prison if convicted.

Though one charge against him has been thrown out,&nbsp;Weinstein who was arrested in May is still facing five counts over an alleged rape in March 2013 and a forced act of oral sex in 2006.

The disgraced movie mogul has been accused by more than 80 women of sexual misconduct. He insists that all of his sexual liaisons were consensual and is free on $1 million bails.

But the scandal upended his career and&nbsp;Weinstein&nbsp;became the poster boy for a cascade of abuse accusations against powerful men in Hollywood, the media and other industries.

His arrest and arraignments have led #MeToo campaigners to hope that the twice-married father of five will be put on trial, convicted and sent to prison.

But Brafman, one of America's most celebrated defence attorneys, has made several dents in the prosecution's case, including getting one count of a forced act of oral sex in 2004 &nbsp;lodged by former actress Lucia Evans thrown out in October.

Avalanche of mistakes

Prosecutors opted not to pursue the charge after it emerged that one detective who worked on the investigation had failed to disclose witness testimony that contradicted Evans's account.

A friend of Evans said she had heard her say that she had willingly engaged in oral sex with&nbsp;Weinstein&nbsp;to secure a movie role.

Brafman said the detective in question, Nicholas DiGaudio, made other mistakes.

He apparently told another accuser, Mimi Haleyi, who says&nbsp;Weinstein&nbsp;forced her into oral sex in 2006, to delete text messages that could be potentially embarrassing for her, despite prosecutors' advice not to do so.

Prosecutors also apparently failed to disclose to the defence affectionate text messages Haleyi sent to&nbsp;Weinstein&nbsp;after the alleged assault, which would have introduced a notion of doubt about the forced nature of the encounter.

Prosecutors nevertheless want the case to continue and reject Brafman's motion that the process is beyond repair.&nbsp;

They say everything in Haley's mobile phone was turned over to investigators, and that the detective's conduct only affected Evans' case. DiGaudio has since been removed from the case.

As for emails, prosecutors say they are not obliged to share any of those with the defence at this stage of the proceedings.

'Psychological coercion'

Nevertheless, since October, many experts speculate that the case against&nbsp;Weinstein&nbsp;has suffered a serious blow

Some even suggest that prosecutors will eventually cave, as they did in dismissing sex assault charges brought against former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn also defended by Brafman&nbsp;in 2011.

Barbara Barron, a professor at Hofstra University School of Law, says the detective's conduct created a "surprise" in the&nbsp;Weinstein&nbsp;case.

"The issue to me is how much taint... how much the police officer's actions influence the other charges," Barron told AFP. "I don't know what the judge will consider."

For Bennett Gershman, a former prosecutor who teaches law at Pace University, prosecutors threw out the charge related to Evans precisely to avoid contaminating the rest of the case.

"I know Brafman is going to argue to dismiss the whole indictment. He is going to lose that without any doubt," Gershman said

He added that he still believes prosecutors have a solid case with the two remaining accusers, no matter what they said to&nbsp;Weinstein&nbsp;after the alleged assaults.

"These women saying nice things to&nbsp;Weinstein would that surprise anybody? You have a hugely powerful man who literally controlled their reputation and their careers," Gershman said.

If the case is not thrown out, Brafman will likely argue for all other&nbsp;Weinstein&nbsp;accusers to be barred from testifying.

In the case against veteran television star Bill Cosby, the depositions of five women who did not bring complaints against him were admitted into evidence for his second trial.&nbsp;

Cosby was convicted and sentenced to at least three years in prison in the first court win for the #MeToo movement.

If the judge decides to allow the case to continue, he could set a trial date on Thursday.

If that happens, Gershman says the jury will have to decide: "Did they consent or did they consent involuntarily?"

"If these women testify strongly on the witness stand,&nbsp;Weinstein&nbsp;will lose," he predicted.

On Thursday, the onetime Hollywood heavyweight producer will be back in a New York courtroom as his star attorney Ben Brafman asks a judge to dismiss the sex assault charges against his client.

On Thursday, the onetime Hollywood heavyweight producer will be back in a New York courtroom as his star attorney Ben Brafman asks a judge to dismiss the sex assault charges against his client. Brafman says police misconduct, specifically the work of one investigator, has "irreparably tainted" the case. He will face off with prosecutors before Manhattan criminal court Judge James Burke for a hearing that could be a game changer for the 66-year-old Weinstein, who could face life in prison if convicted. Though one charge against him has been thrown out, Weinstein who was arrested in May is still facing five counts over an alleged rape in March 2013 and a forced act of oral sex in 2006. The disgraced movie mogul has been accused by more than 80 women of sexual misconduct. He insists that all of his sexual liaisons were consensual and is free on $1 million bails. But the scandal upended his career and Weinstein became the poster boy for a cascade of abuse accusations against powerful men in Hollywood, the media and other industries. His arrest and arraignments have led #MeToo campaigners to hope that the twice-married father of five will be put on trial, convicted and sent to prison. But Brafman, one of America's most celebrated defence attorneys, has made several dents in the prosecution's case, including getting one count of a forced act of oral sex in 2004 lodged by former actress Lucia Evans thrown out in October. Avalanche of mistakes Prosecutors opted not to pursue the charge after it emerged that one detective who worked on the investigation had failed to disclose witness testimony that contradicted Evans's account. A friend of Evans said she had heard her say that she had willingly engaged in oral sex with Weinstein to secure a movie role. Brafman said the detective in question, Nicholas DiGaudio, made other mistakes. He apparently told another accuser, Mimi Haleyi, who says Weinstein forced her into oral sex in 2006, to delete text messages that could be potentially embarrassing for her, despite prosecutors' advice not to do so. Prosecutors also apparently failed to disclose to the defence affectionate text messages Haleyi sent to Weinstein after the alleged assault, which would have introduced a notion of doubt about the forced nature of the encounter. Prosecutors nevertheless want the case to continue and reject Brafman's motion that the process is beyond repair. They say everything in Haley's mobile phone was turned over to investigators, and that the detective's conduct only affected Evans' case. DiGaudio has since been removed from the case. As for emails, prosecutors say they are not obliged to share any of those with the defence at this stage of the proceedings. 'Psychological coercion' Nevertheless, since October, many experts speculate that the case against Weinstein has suffered a serious blow Some even suggest that prosecutors will eventually cave, as they did in dismissing sex assault charges brought against former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn also defended by Brafman in 2011. Barbara Barron, a professor at Hofstra University School of Law, says the detective's conduct created a "surprise" in the Weinstein case. "The issue to me is how much taint... how much the police officer's actions influence the other charges," Barron told AFP. "I don't know what the judge will consider." For Bennett Gershman, a former prosecutor who teaches law at Pace University, prosecutors threw out the charge related to Evans precisely to avoid contaminating the rest of the case. "I know Brafman is going to argue to dismiss the whole indictment. He is going to lose that without any doubt," Gershman said He added that he still believes prosecutors have a solid case with the two remaining accusers, no matter what they said to Weinstein after the alleged assaults. "These women saying nice things to Weinstein would that surprise anybody? You have a hugely powerful man who literally controlled their reputation and their careers," Gershman said. If the case is not thrown out, Brafman will likely argue for all other Weinstein accusers to be barred from testifying. In the case against veteran television star Bill Cosby, the depositions of five women who did not bring complaints against him were admitted into evidence for his second trial. Cosby was convicted and sentenced to at least three years in prison in the first court win for the #MeToo movement. If the judge decides to allow the case to continue, he could set a trial date on Thursday. If that happens, Gershman says the jury will have to decide: "Did they consent or did they consent involuntarily?" "If these women testify strongly on the witness stand, Weinstein will lose," he predicted.

Weinstein back in court seeking dismissal of sex assault case

Harvey Weinstein's defense lawyer went back on the offensive Monday, petitioning a New York court to throw out the entire remaining sex assault case against his client, alleging new evidence and fresh police misconduct.

Last month, a judge threw out one of six original assault charges -- of a forced act of oral sex in 2004 lodged by Lucia Evans against the disgraced movie mogul -- due to witness inconsistencies and police misconduct.

On Monday, defense lawyer Ben Brafman asked for the five remaining charges to be dismissed or for the court to hold a hearing to "determine the full extent" of what he called "misconduct."

He suggested a police detective had committed "additional misconduct" involving one Weinstein's accusers, failing to disclose that the two continued to communicate after the alleged assault.

Brafman had already asked in August for the entire case to be thrown out, disclosing emails that allegedly showed his client and the alleged rape victim were in a "long-term, consensual, intimate relationship."

On Monday, he followed up with another extensive court filing and released what he said was a text message, sent by one of the Weinstein accusers, months after the alleged assault in which she seemingly tried to meet up with him.

"Hi! Just wondering if u have any news on whether harvey will have time to see me before he leaves? x Miriam," she allegedly texted in February 2007.

Brafman complained that police misconduct and perjury committed by Evans "irreparably prejudiced the grand jury" and that messages from another accuser Mimi Haleyi to Weinstein show that any sexual contact was "purely consensual."

He also sought to toss two sexual predator charges, the most serious against Weinstein, on the basis of "constitutionally flawed legal&nbsp;theories and not supported by credible evidence."

The judge dropped the 2004 charge after a detective failed to turn over details from a witness interview, and a draft email from Evans to her husband that exposed further inconsistencies in her account.

As things stand, Weinstein, accused by more than 80 women of sexual misconduct, could still spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted of rape in March 2013 and a forced act of oral sex in 2006.

The 66-year-old was arrested in May. He is at large on a US $1 million bail and denies any non-consensual sex.

His arrest and arraignments have led #MeToo campaigners to hope that the twice-married father of five will be put on trial, convicted and sent to prison.

The next hearing is scheduled for December 20.

Brafman, one of the most celebrated criminal defense attorneys in America, helped former IMF boss Dominique Strauss-Kahn escape criminal prosecution for alleged sexual assault in 2011.

Harvey Weinstein's defense lawyer went back on the offensive Monday, petitioning a New York court to throw out the entire remaining sex assault case against his client, alleging new evidence and fresh police misconduct.

Harvey Weinstein's defense lawyer went back on the offensive Monday, petitioning a New York court to throw out the entire remaining sex assault case against his client, alleging new evidence and fresh police misconduct. Last month, a judge threw out one of six original assault charges -- of a forced act of oral sex in 2004 lodged by Lucia Evans against the disgraced movie mogul -- due to witness inconsistencies and police misconduct. On Monday, defense lawyer Ben Brafman asked for the five remaining charges to be dismissed or for the court to hold a hearing to "determine the full extent" of what he called "misconduct." He suggested a police detective had committed "additional misconduct" involving one Weinstein's accusers, failing to disclose that the two continued to communicate after the alleged assault. Brafman had already asked in August for the entire case to be thrown out, disclosing emails that allegedly showed his client and the alleged rape victim were in a "long-term, consensual, intimate relationship." On Monday, he followed up with another extensive court filing and released what he said was a text message, sent by one of the Weinstein accusers, months after the alleged assault in which she seemingly tried to meet up with him. "Hi! Just wondering if u have any news on whether harvey will have time to see me before he leaves? x Miriam," she allegedly texted in February 2007. Brafman complained that police misconduct and perjury committed by Evans "irreparably prejudiced the grand jury" and that messages from another accuser Mimi Haleyi to Weinstein show that any sexual contact was "purely consensual." He also sought to toss two sexual predator charges, the most serious against Weinstein, on the basis of "constitutionally flawed legal theories and not supported by credible evidence." The judge dropped the 2004 charge after a detective failed to turn over details from a witness interview, and a draft email from Evans to her husband that exposed further inconsistencies in her account. As things stand, Weinstein, accused by more than 80 women of sexual misconduct, could still spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted of rape in March 2013 and a forced act of oral sex in 2006. The 66-year-old was arrested in May. He is at large on a US $1 million bail and denies any non-consensual sex. His arrest and arraignments have led #MeToo campaigners to hope that the twice-married father of five will be put on trial, convicted and sent to prison. The next hearing is scheduled for December 20. Brafman, one of the most celebrated criminal defense attorneys in America, helped former IMF boss Dominique Strauss-Kahn escape criminal prosecution for alleged sexual assault in 2011.

Defence seeks to toss all Weinstein sex charges

One year after the explosive claims of sexual misconduct against Harvey Weinstein first came to light, he may finally have some good news, with some of the charges against him reportedly being questioned.

The next hearing in a New York court in his sex crimes case has been moved up from November 8 to October 11 -- a possible sign that prosecutors are having difficulties making their case, local media reported Friday.

The 66-year-old disgraced Hollywood producer is out on bail and has pleaded not guilty to six counts allegedly committed against three women in 2004, 2006 and 2013.

The charges include rape in the first and third degree, and a criminal sex act. He could face life to prison if convicted.

The New York Post and celebrity news outlet TMZ, citing police sources, reported that a detective is under investigation for possibly failing to disclose information that discredited one of Weinstein's alleged victims, aspiring actress Lucia Evans.

Evans has accused Weinstein of forcing her to perform oral sex in 2004. 
But a witness -- a casting director, according to TMZ -- apparently told the police investigator that Evans said she had willingly engaged in oral sex to secure an acting role.&nbsp;

The New York Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A spokeswoman for Weinstein's attorney Ben Brafman confirmed the hearing date change, but declined to provide further information. The Manhattan district attorney's office did not immediately comment.

If the reports are accurate, the charges against Weinstein relating to his interactions with Evans could be thrown out, according to the New York Daily News.

Weinstein, 66, has steadfastly insisted that he never engaged in non-consensual sex.

Brafman had already asked in August that the entire case against Weinstein be thrown out, disclosing dozens of intimate emails between his client and his alleged rape victim, in which she said "I love you."

Weinstein has been accused of misconduct by dozens of women, allegations that torpedoed his career and galvanized the #MeToo movement.

One year after the explosive claims of sexual misconduct against Harvey Weinstein first came to light, he may finally have some good news, with some of the charges against him reportedly being questioned.

One year after the explosive claims of sexual misconduct against Harvey Weinstein first came to light, he may finally have some good news, with some of the charges against him reportedly being questioned. The next hearing in a New York court in his sex crimes case has been moved up from November 8 to October 11 -- a possible sign that prosecutors are having difficulties making their case, local media reported Friday. The 66-year-old disgraced Hollywood producer is out on bail and has pleaded not guilty to six counts allegedly committed against three women in 2004, 2006 and 2013. The charges include rape in the first and third degree, and a criminal sex act. He could face life to prison if convicted. The New York Post and celebrity news outlet TMZ, citing police sources, reported that a detective is under investigation for possibly failing to disclose information that discredited one of Weinstein's alleged victims, aspiring actress Lucia Evans. Evans has accused Weinstein of forcing her to perform oral sex in 2004. But a witness -- a casting director, according to TMZ -- apparently told the police investigator that Evans said she had willingly engaged in oral sex to secure an acting role. The New York Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokeswoman for Weinstein's attorney Ben Brafman confirmed the hearing date change, but declined to provide further information. The Manhattan district attorney's office did not immediately comment. If the reports are accurate, the charges against Weinstein relating to his interactions with Evans could be thrown out, according to the New York Daily News. Weinstein, 66, has steadfastly insisted that he never engaged in non-consensual sex. Brafman had already asked in August that the entire case against Weinstein be thrown out, disclosing dozens of intimate emails between his client and his alleged rape victim, in which she said "I love you." Weinstein has been accused of misconduct by dozens of women, allegations that torpedoed his career and galvanized the #MeToo movement.

Weinstein hearing moved up in New York amid possible setbacks for prosecution

Bombshell sexual assault claims against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein a year ago sparked the #MeToo movement that unleashed an outpouring of similar charges across the globe.

Here are 10 major moments in the saga that has rocked the worlds of cinema, politics, sport and beyond.

Actresses accuse Weinstein

On October 5, 2017, The New York Times publishes the first claims of sexual harassment against Weinstein, one of the most powerful producers in Hollywood.

An avalanche of similar charges emerges, including from more than two dozen top actresses such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie.

Eventually, there are allegations ranging from harassment to rape from around 100 women and going back decades.

#MeToo goes viral&nbsp;

The French hashtag #balancetonporc, or "denounce your pig", launches on Twitter on October 13 encouraging women to reveal their own experiences of sexual harassment.

An English version, #MeToo, follows two days later.

Both go viral, taken up by ordinary women across the world but also high-profile figures such as actresses Uma Thurman and Reese Witherspoon.

Still active a year later, the hashtags have spinoffs in several languages.

Kevin Spacey dropped

On October 29, US actor Anthony Rapp alleges in a Buzzfeed interview that he was sexually harassed by "House of Cards" star Kevin Spacey more than 30 years previously, when he was aged 14.

Netflix immediately drops Spacey and puts its hit political series on hold.

Other allegations emerge and in November Spacey is removed from his scenes in Ridley Scott's film, "All the Money in the World," and replaced by Christopher Plummer.

British minister quits

A renewed look at claims of sexual harassment in the British parliament takes its first scalp when defence minister Michael Fallon quits on November 1.

The following month Prime Minister Theresa May's deputy, Damian Green, also steps down.

Politicians around the world resign in the fallout, including in Australia, Austria, Scotland and the United States.&nbsp;

'Puritanical' criticism

At the start of 2018, revered French actress Catherine Deneuve is among 100 women who slam #MeToo in an open letter criticising it as a new "puritanism" and a "witch-hunt" that threatens sexual freedom.

It has taken on "a hatred of men and of sexuality," says the letter published on January 9.

Their criticism sparks a worldwide reaction. In the following days, Deneuve apologises to victims of sexual assault, saying she did not mean to condone these "hideous acts".

Nobel prize scrapped&nbsp;

On May 4 the Swedish Academy behind the Nobel Literature Prize announces the postponement of the 2018 award amid internal upheaval after sexual assault claims from several women against the husband of one of its members.

On October 1 a Swedish court sentences the man in question, 72-year-old Jean-Claude Arnault, to two years in jail for a rape in 2011.

Knock-on effect

#MeToo's reckoning with sexual harassment brings weight and publicity to trials already under way.

On January 25 former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar is given what amounts to a life sentence for abusing at least 265 young female athletes over two decades.

Some of the women say they only went public because of #MeToo.

On September 25 TV icon Bill Cosby becomes the first celebrity to be sentenced for a sex crime since the saga erupted, jailed for an assault 14 years ago.

An accuser accused

On August 20 sexual assault allegations are published against Italian actress Asia Argento, a leading #MeToo figure who has accused Weinstein of rape.

Actor Jimmy Bennett alleges Argento assaulted him in 2013, when he was 17 and under the age of consent in California.

Argento denies the claims but is dropped from the Italian version of the reality show "X Factor". She later admits to sex with Bennett but says "he literally jumped on me".

Top US judge questioned

&nbsp;On September 13 sexual misconduct claims go public against US President Donald Trump's nominee for a life seat on the Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh.

He is eventually accused by at least three women of sexual misconduct in high school or at university.

After dramatic testimony by one of Kavanaugh's alleged victims, Trump on September 29 orders a new FBI investigation.

Ronaldo accused of rape

On October 2 Las Vegas police say they have reopened an investigation into a 2009 rape accusation against Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo.

He labels as "fake news" the claims by former model Kathryn Mayorga.

Bombshell sexual assault claims against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein a year ago sparked the #MeToo movement that unleashed an outpouring of similar charges across the globe.

Bombshell sexual assault claims against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein a year ago sparked the #MeToo movement that unleashed an outpouring of similar charges across the globe. Here are 10 major moments in the saga that has rocked the worlds of cinema, politics, sport and beyond. Actresses accuse Weinstein On October 5, 2017, The New York Times publishes the first claims of sexual harassment against Weinstein, one of the most powerful producers in Hollywood. An avalanche of similar charges emerges, including from more than two dozen top actresses such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie. Eventually, there are allegations ranging from harassment to rape from around 100 women and going back decades. #MeToo goes viral The French hashtag #balancetonporc, or "denounce your pig", launches on Twitter on October 13 encouraging women to reveal their own experiences of sexual harassment. An English version, #MeToo, follows two days later. Both go viral, taken up by ordinary women across the world but also high-profile figures such as actresses Uma Thurman and Reese Witherspoon. Still active a year later, the hashtags have spinoffs in several languages. Kevin Spacey dropped On October 29, US actor Anthony Rapp alleges in a Buzzfeed interview that he was sexually harassed by "House of Cards" star Kevin Spacey more than 30 years previously, when he was aged 14. Netflix immediately drops Spacey and puts its hit political series on hold. Other allegations emerge and in November Spacey is removed from his scenes in Ridley Scott's film, "All the Money in the World," and replaced by Christopher Plummer. British minister quits A renewed look at claims of sexual harassment in the British parliament takes its first scalp when defence minister Michael Fallon quits on November 1. The following month Prime Minister Theresa May's deputy, Damian Green, also steps down. Politicians around the world resign in the fallout, including in Australia, Austria, Scotland and the United States. 'Puritanical' criticism At the start of 2018, revered French actress Catherine Deneuve is among 100 women who slam #MeToo in an open letter criticising it as a new "puritanism" and a "witch-hunt" that threatens sexual freedom. It has taken on "a hatred of men and of sexuality," says the letter published on January 9. Their criticism sparks a worldwide reaction. In the following days, Deneuve apologises to victims of sexual assault, saying she did not mean to condone these "hideous acts". Nobel prize scrapped On May 4 the Swedish Academy behind the Nobel Literature Prize announces the postponement of the 2018 award amid internal upheaval after sexual assault claims from several women against the husband of one of its members. On October 1 a Swedish court sentences the man in question, 72-year-old Jean-Claude Arnault, to two years in jail for a rape in 2011. Knock-on effect #MeToo's reckoning with sexual harassment brings weight and publicity to trials already under way. On January 25 former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar is given what amounts to a life sentence for abusing at least 265 young female athletes over two decades. Some of the women say they only went public because of #MeToo. On September 25 TV icon Bill Cosby becomes the first celebrity to be sentenced for a sex crime since the saga erupted, jailed for an assault 14 years ago. An accuser accused On August 20 sexual assault allegations are published against Italian actress Asia Argento, a leading #MeToo figure who has accused Weinstein of rape. Actor Jimmy Bennett alleges Argento assaulted him in 2013, when he was 17 and under the age of consent in California. Argento denies the claims but is dropped from the Italian version of the reality show "X Factor". She later admits to sex with Bennett but says "he literally jumped on me". Top US judge questioned On September 13 sexual misconduct claims go public against US President Donald Trump's nominee for a life seat on the Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh. He is eventually accused by at least three women of sexual misconduct in high school or at university. After dramatic testimony by one of Kavanaugh's alleged victims, Trump on September 29 orders a new FBI investigation. Ronaldo accused of rape On October 2 Las Vegas police say they have reopened an investigation into a 2009 rape accusation against Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo. He labels as "fake news" the claims by former model Kathryn Mayorga.

The Weinstein Affair: 10 key moments in a global fallout

Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein on Tuesday pleaded not guilty in a New York courtroom to rape and sexual assault charges related to crimes allegedly committed against two women.

The 66-year-old producer, whose career imploded in a blaze of accusations from dozens of women that sparked a nationwide reckoning about sexual misconduct, could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday (local time), the 66-year-old was<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/harvey-weinstein-indicted-on-two-counts-of-rape--141340"> indicted on charges of rape</a> in the first and third degrees, and criminal sexual act in the first degree.

Scores of women have come to fore and accused Weinstein of a wide array of misconduct, which ranges from harassment to rape, over decades.

Weinstein remains out on $1 million cash bail ordered by a judge last Friday. Weinstein surrendered his US&nbsp;passport and agreed to wear a monitoring device that tracks his location, confining him to the states of New York and Connecticut.

The accusations, first reported last year by the New York Times and the New Yorker, gave rise to the #MeToo movement, in which hundreds of women have publicly accused powerful men in business, government and entertainment of sexual misconduct.

Actresses who have publicly accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct include Uma Thurman, Ashley Judd, Rose McGowan and Salma Hayek.

Once a fixture of elite Manhattan and Los Angeles society, Weinstein has been ostracized since the accusations became public. He went to Arizona for sex addiction therapy.

The Weinstein Co's board fired him, the company filed for bankruptcy in March, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences expelled him. In years past, the Academy had showered him with Oscars for a string of films that helped define independent cinema in the 1990s, including "Shakespeare in Love" and "Pulp Fiction."

London's Metropolitan Police and Los Angeles prosecutors have said they are reviewing accusations of sexual assault against him.

However, maintaining his innocence, Weinstein, whose career has been left in tatters, has always denied non-consensual sex.&nbsp;

The 66-year-old producer, whose career imploded in a blaze of accusations from dozens of women that sparked a nationwide reckoning about sexual misconduct, could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted

Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein on Tuesday pleaded not guilty in a New York courtroom to rape and sexual assault charges related to crimes allegedly committed against two women. The 66-year-old producer, whose career imploded in a blaze of accusations from dozens of women that sparked a nationwide reckoning about sexual misconduct, could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted. Meanwhile, on Wednesday (local time), the 66-year-old was indicted on charges of rape in the first and third degrees, and criminal sexual act in the first degree. Scores of women have come to fore and accused Weinstein of a wide array of misconduct, which ranges from harassment to rape, over decades. Weinstein remains out on $1 million cash bail ordered by a judge last Friday. Weinstein surrendered his US passport and agreed to wear a monitoring device that tracks his location, confining him to the states of New York and Connecticut. The accusations, first reported last year by the New York Times and the New Yorker, gave rise to the #MeToo movement, in which hundreds of women have publicly accused powerful men in business, government and entertainment of sexual misconduct. Actresses who have publicly accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct include Uma Thurman, Ashley Judd, Rose McGowan and Salma Hayek. Once a fixture of elite Manhattan and Los Angeles society, Weinstein has been ostracized since the accusations became public. He went to Arizona for sex addiction therapy. The Weinstein Co's board fired him, the company filed for bankruptcy in March, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences expelled him. In years past, the Academy had showered him with Oscars for a string of films that helped define independent cinema in the 1990s, including "Shakespeare in Love" and "Pulp Fiction." London's Metropolitan Police and Los Angeles prosecutors have said they are reviewing accusations of sexual assault against him. However, maintaining his innocence, Weinstein, whose career has been left in tatters, has always denied non-consensual sex.

Harvey Weinstein pleads not guilty to rape, sex assault charges

Movie producer Harvey&nbsp;Weinstein&nbsp;was indicted&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;on charges of rape and a criminal sexual act, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said, the first case to emerge from a slew of sexual misconduct allegations against him.

"This indictment brings the defendant another step closer to accountability for the crimes of violence with which he is now charged," Vance said in a statement on the charges against the disgraced 66-year-old co-founder of the Miramax film studio and the Weinstein Co.

The grand jury indictment follows his arrest and court appearance last Friday on charges related to two among about 70 women who have accused him of sexual misconduct, all of which Weinstein has denied.

Vance's statement said Weinstein was charged with rape in the first and third degrees and a criminal sexual act in the first degree.

Ben Brafman, the head of Weinstein's legal team, said his client would plead not guilty and defend himself against the charges.

If convicted on the most serious charges, Weinstein could face between five and 25 years in prison.

Earlier&nbsp;on Wednesday, Weinstein declined to testify before the grand jury after a judge denied a request by his lawyers to postpone the appearance. Brafman had argued Weinstein was denied access to information about the case and lacked preparation time.

"Mr&nbsp;Weinstein intends to enter a plea of not guilty and vigorously defend against these unsupported allegations that he strongly denies," Brafman said in a statement after the indictment.

"We will soon formally move to dismiss the indictment and if this case actually proceeds to trial, we expect Mr&nbsp;Weinstein to be acquitted."

The grand jury indictment spares the prosecution the step of having to go before a judge to demonstrate there is enough evidence to bring Weinstein to trial.

The indictment follows a months-long investigation with the New York Police Department. Police have not identified the two women but said the crimes took place in 2004 and 2013.

Weinstein remains out on $1 million cash bail ordered by a judge last Friday. Weinstein surrendered his US&nbsp;passport and agreed to wear a monitoring device that tracks his location, confining him to the states of New York and Connecticut.

Some of the allegations date back decades. Weinstein has denied ever having nonconsensual sex.

The accusations, first reported last year by the New York Times and the New Yorker, gave rise to the #MeToo movement, in which hundreds of women have publicly accused powerful men in business, government and entertainment of sexual misconduct.

Actresses who have publicly accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct include Uma Thurman, Ashley Judd, Rose McGowan and Salma Hayek.

The grand jury indictment follows his arrest and court appearance on charges related to two among about 70 women who have accused him of sexual misconduct

Movie producer Harvey Weinstein was indicted on Wednesday on charges of rape and a criminal sexual act, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said, the first case to emerge from a slew of sexual misconduct allegations against him. "This indictment brings the defendant another step closer to accountability for the crimes of violence with which he is now charged," Vance said in a statement on the charges against the disgraced 66-year-old co-founder of the Miramax film studio and the Weinstein Co. The grand jury indictment follows his arrest and court appearance last Friday on charges related to two among about 70 women who have accused him of sexual misconduct, all of which Weinstein has denied. Vance's statement said Weinstein was charged with rape in the first and third degrees and a criminal sexual act in the first degree. Ben Brafman, the head of Weinstein's legal team, said his client would plead not guilty and defend himself against the charges. If convicted on the most serious charges, Weinstein could face between five and 25 years in prison. Earlier on Wednesday, Weinstein declined to testify before the grand jury after a judge denied a request by his lawyers to postpone the appearance. Brafman had argued Weinstein was denied access to information about the case and lacked preparation time. "Mr Weinstein intends to enter a plea of not guilty and vigorously defend against these unsupported allegations that he strongly denies," Brafman said in a statement after the indictment. "We will soon formally move to dismiss the indictment and if this case actually proceeds to trial, we expect Mr Weinstein to be acquitted." The grand jury indictment spares the prosecution the step of having to go before a judge to demonstrate there is enough evidence to bring Weinstein to trial. The indictment follows a months-long investigation with the New York Police Department. Police have not identified the two women but said the crimes took place in 2004 and 2013. Weinstein remains out on $1 million cash bail ordered by a judge last Friday. Weinstein surrendered his US passport and agreed to wear a monitoring device that tracks his location, confining him to the states of New York and Connecticut. Some of the allegations date back decades. Weinstein has denied ever having nonconsensual sex. The accusations, first reported last year by the New York Times and the New Yorker, gave rise to the #MeToo movement, in which hundreds of women have publicly accused powerful men in business, government and entertainment of sexual misconduct. Actresses who have publicly accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct include Uma Thurman, Ashley Judd, Rose McGowan and Salma Hayek.

Film producer Harvey Weinstein indicted for rape

After sexual assault charges were dropped against former International Monetary Fund Chairman Dominique Strauss-Kahn in 2011, his lawyer Ben Brafman assailed the accuser`s credibility, telling Reuters: "This encounter was quick, it was consensual and she was a willing participant."

Brafman on Friday hinted he would take a similar tack defending his latest client, movie producer Harvey Weinstein. But this time Brafman, one of the New York`s most prominent defence lawyers, will make his arguments against the backdrop of the #MeToo movement, which was largely sparked by reports of his client`s sexual misconduct.

Outside the Manhattan courthouse where Weinstein, 66, was arraigned on rape and criminal sexual act charges, Brafman said that, if he cross-examined the accusers, a jury would not believe them, "assuming we get 12 fair people who are not consumed by the movement that seems to have overtaken this case."

Weinstein has said he never had non-consensual sex with anyone, and Brafman said his client would plead not guilty to the charges by the Manhattan District Attorney`s Office.

Attacking the credibility of accusers through tough cross-examination is a common defence strategy in rape and sexual assault cases, which often boil down to "he said, she said," according to New York lawyer Lisa Linsky.&nbsp;

She said the play-book had not changed in the #MeToo era, and Brafman might argue that the accusers and other women coming forward were motivated by fame or money.

In the Strauss-Kahn case, Brafman said at the time he planned to argue that the woman must be lying because she was much larger than the accused. “In a one-on-one, she would probably win if this turned into a fist fight," Brafman told Reuters in 2011. "She is not a small person.”

But a number of lawyers questioned whether Brafman would be able to cross-examine Weinstein`s accusers aggressively in the face of overwhelming public sentiment in their favour and against Weinstein.&nbsp;

"That is the $64,000 question," said Gerald Lefcourt, one of Brafman`s peers among New York defence lawyers.

Lefcourt said he thought Brafman would find a way. "I think he is conscious of those considerations and will be able to strike the right tone," said Lefcourt. "That`s what makes him a great trial lawyer."

Shira Scheindlin, a former New York federal judge now in private practice, said the defence will become even more difficult if the judge allows the testimony of women other than the accusers as evidence Weinstein had a pattern of conduct.

“If five other women have come forward, that’s going to weigh heavily on the jury,” she said, though Brafman would likely argue that such testimony would be prejudicial.

Bennett Gershman, a professor at New York`s Pace Law School, said the task for Brafman was "monumental, maybe even impossible" given the depth of public antipathy toward Weinstein.

"There is nobody like him," said Gershman. "He is the poster boy of predatory sexual conduct. Brafman is not going to be able to dislodge that view of him."

Gershman said he thought Brafman`s best strategy would be to stall for time and try to get the best possible plea deal, which would certainly include prison time.

But defence lawyer Roy Black said he did not think a deal would be possible.&nbsp;

"Given the way the flames of prejudice have been whipped up against him, anything less than life in prison will seem like a sweetheart deal," said Black.&nbsp;

Brafman on Friday hinted he would take a similar tack defending his latest client, movie producer Harvey Weinstein

After sexual assault charges were dropped against former International Monetary Fund Chairman Dominique Strauss-Kahn in 2011, his lawyer Ben Brafman assailed the accuser`s credibility, telling Reuters: "This encounter was quick, it was consensual and she was a willing participant." Brafman on Friday hinted he would take a similar tack defending his latest client, movie producer Harvey Weinstein. But this time Brafman, one of the New York`s most prominent defence lawyers, will make his arguments against the backdrop of the #MeToo movement, which was largely sparked by reports of his client`s sexual misconduct. Outside the Manhattan courthouse where Weinstein, 66, was arraigned on rape and criminal sexual act charges, Brafman said that, if he cross-examined the accusers, a jury would not believe them, "assuming we get 12 fair people who are not consumed by the movement that seems to have overtaken this case." Weinstein has said he never had non-consensual sex with anyone, and Brafman said his client would plead not guilty to the charges by the Manhattan District Attorney`s Office. Attacking the credibility of accusers through tough cross-examination is a common defence strategy in rape and sexual assault cases, which often boil down to "he said, she said," according to New York lawyer Lisa Linsky. She said the play-book had not changed in the #MeToo era, and Brafman might argue that the accusers and other women coming forward were motivated by fame or money. In the Strauss-Kahn case, Brafman said at the time he planned to argue that the woman must be lying because she was much larger than the accused. “In a one-on-one, she would probably win if this turned into a fist fight," Brafman told Reuters in 2011. "She is not a small person.” But a number of lawyers questioned whether Brafman would be able to cross-examine Weinstein`s accusers aggressively in the face of overwhelming public sentiment in their favour and against Weinstein. "That is the $64,000 question," said Gerald Lefcourt, one of Brafman`s peers among New York defence lawyers. Lefcourt said he thought Brafman would find a way. "I think he is conscious of those considerations and will be able to strike the right tone," said Lefcourt. "That`s what makes him a great trial lawyer." Shira Scheindlin, a former New York federal judge now in private practice, said the defence will become even more difficult if the judge allows the testimony of women other than the accusers as evidence Weinstein had a pattern of conduct. “If five other women have come forward, that’s going to weigh heavily on the jury,” she said, though Brafman would likely argue that such testimony would be prejudicial. Bennett Gershman, a professor at New York`s Pace Law School, said the task for Brafman was "monumental, maybe even impossible" given the depth of public antipathy toward Weinstein. "There is nobody like him," said Gershman. "He is the poster boy of predatory sexual conduct. Brafman is not going to be able to dislodge that view of him." Gershman said he thought Brafman`s best strategy would be to stall for time and try to get the best possible plea deal, which would certainly include prison time. But defence lawyer Roy Black said he did not think a deal would be possible. "Given the way the flames of prejudice have been whipped up against him, anything less than life in prison will seem like a sweetheart deal," said Black.

Weinstein attorney Brafman could face 'impossible' task: lawyers

Russia`s President Vladimir Putin`s spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the actresses who have claimed sexual abuse by disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein "prostitutes" and poured scorn on journalists who have accused a Russian lawmaker of sexual harassment.

Peskov, speaking to students in Moscow, said that the actresses who spoke out against Weinstein had become stars and "did a lot that is not compatible with the concept of honour and dignity."

"They earned hundreds of millions of dollars and 10 years later, they say that Weinstein is to blame," Peskov said in unusually outspoken comments reported by the Echo of Moscow popular radio station.

"Maybe he is a bastard but none of them went to the police! No, they wanted to earn 10 million dollars."

"What do you call a woman who slept with a man for 10 million dollars? She`s called a prostitute," Peskov said.

He was responding to a question about accusations of sexual harassment made by journalists against a senior member of the Russian parliament.&nbsp

Several reporters with Western or independent media have accused Leonid Slutsky, head of the foreign affairs committee in parliament`s lower house, the State Duma, of making lewd sexual comments and groping.

The parliamentary ethics commission ruled that Slutsky had not committed any violations, prompting top media to boycott Slutsky and pull their journalists from covering the lower house.

Peskov has so far refused to comment on this in his official capacity, but he told students the women should have reported the offences immediately.

"If Slutsky attacked a poor journalist, where was she, why did she put up with it?" he asked.&nbsp

"They got felt up in his office. Girls probably see better, but he can probably be seen as a not very pleasant man. If he felt you up if he harassed you, why were you silent?"

"Why did so much time pass and then you go to the ethics commission? This just amazed me."

In Russia`s macho culture claims of harassment are rare and the topic is largely taboo. There is also no law defining sexual harassment.

'What do you call a woman who slept with a man for 10 million dollars? She`s called a prostitute," Putin spokesman calls Weinstein accusers `prostitutes`said

Russia`s President Vladimir Putin`s spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the actresses who have claimed sexual abuse by disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein "prostitutes" and poured scorn on journalists who have accused a Russian lawmaker of sexual harassment. Peskov, speaking to students in Moscow, said that the actresses who spoke out against Weinstein had become stars and "did a lot that is not compatible with the concept of honour and dignity." "They earned hundreds of millions of dollars and 10 years later, they say that Weinstein is to blame," Peskov said in unusually outspoken comments reported by the Echo of Moscow popular radio station. "Maybe he is a bastard but none of them went to the police! No, they wanted to earn 10 million dollars." "What do you call a woman who slept with a man for 10 million dollars? She`s called a prostitute," Peskov said. He was responding to a question about accusations of sexual harassment made by journalists against a senior member of the Russian parliament. Several reporters with Western or independent media have accused Leonid Slutsky, head of the foreign affairs committee in parliament`s lower house, the State Duma, of making lewd sexual comments and groping. The parliamentary ethics commission ruled that Slutsky had not committed any violations, prompting top media to boycott Slutsky and pull their journalists from covering the lower house. Peskov has so far refused to comment on this in his official capacity, but he told students the women should have reported the offences immediately. "If Slutsky attacked a poor journalist, where was she, why did she put up with it?" he asked. "They got felt up in his office. Girls probably see better, but he can probably be seen as a not very pleasant man. If he felt you up if he harassed you, why were you silent?" "Why did so much time pass and then you go to the ethics commission? This just amazed me." In Russia`s macho culture claims of harassment are rare and the topic is largely taboo. There is also no law defining sexual harassment.

Putin spokesman calls Weinstein accusers 'prostitutes'

She was the most talked about stars with the success of Wonder Woman&nbsp;while his name became synonymous with the sexual harassment scandal in Hollywood but Gal Gadot and Harvey Weinstein were some of the most difficult to pronounce names of 2017. 
 
&quot;Gal Gadot&quot;, &quot;coulrophobia&quot; ( an irrational fear of clowns) and &quot;Weinstein&quot; are among the top mispronounced words of 2017, according to a survey commissioned by the language- learning app Babbel, reported Entertainment Weekly.

The company polled professional subtitlers at the US Captioning Company, National Captioning Canada, and the British Institute of Verbatim Reporters about the words, phrases, and names that folks had a hard time saying on TV. 
Gadot&#39;s name, for example, is pronounced with a soft T (&#39;gah-dott&#39;) rather than a silent one. 
 
Stephen King adaptation IT&nbsp;may have contributed to the popularity of &quot;Coulrophobia&quot;. The word is pronounced &#39;cool- ruh-foh-bee-ah&#39;.

Weinstein may have made the mistake of mispronouncing his name, according to some linguists.

The producer, who will be forever linked to the biggest sexual harassment scandals and the subsequent movement against it, calls himself &#39;wine-steen&#39; but the linguists are of the opinion that his name should be pronounced as &#39;wine-stine&#39;. 
 
Rounding out the top 10 list of mispronounced words in the US are &#39;bokeh&#39;, &#39;dotard&#39;, &#39;fibromyalgia&#39;, &#39;Namibia&#39;, &#39;nuclear&#39;, &#39;Puerto Rico&#39; and &#39;Pyongyang&#39;.&nbsp;

"Gal Gadot", "coulrophobia" and "Weinstein" are among the top mispronounced words of 2017, according to a survey commissioned by the language- learning app Babbel.

She was the most talked about stars with the success of Wonder Woman while his name became synonymous with the sexual harassment scandal in Hollywood but Gal Gadot and Harvey Weinstein were some of the most difficult to pronounce names of 2017. "Gal Gadot", "coulrophobia" ( an irrational fear of clowns) and "Weinstein" are among the top mispronounced words of 2017, according to a survey commissioned by the language- learning app Babbel, reported Entertainment Weekly. The company polled professional subtitlers at the US Captioning Company, National Captioning Canada, and the British Institute of Verbatim Reporters about the words, phrases, and names that folks had a hard time saying on TV. Gadot's name, for example, is pronounced with a soft T ('gah-dott') rather than a silent one. Stephen King adaptation IT may have contributed to the popularity of "Coulrophobia". The word is pronounced 'cool- ruh-foh-bee-ah'. Weinstein may have made the mistake of mispronouncing his name, according to some linguists. The producer, who will be forever linked to the biggest sexual harassment scandals and the subsequent movement against it, calls himself 'wine-steen' but the linguists are of the opinion that his name should be pronounced as 'wine-stine'. Rounding out the top 10 list of mispronounced words in the US are 'bokeh', 'dotard', 'fibromyalgia', 'Namibia', 'nuclear', 'Puerto Rico' and 'Pyongyang'.

Gal Gadot, Weinstein most mispronounced words of 2017

Goldman Sachs Group Inc&nbsp;has written down to zero the value of its stake in the Weinstein Company, the movie studio whose co-chairman Harvey Weinstein stepped down last month following sexual assault allegations, a person familiar with the matter said on Monday.

Goldman Sachs&#39; move comes as the Weinstein Company looks for fresh financing after more than 50 women claimed that Weinstein sexually harassed or assaulted them over the past three decades.

Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone. Reuters has been unable to independently confirm any of the allegations.

Last month, Goldman Sachs said it was trying to find a buyer for its stake in the Weinstein Company. A Goldman Sachs spokesman had said at the time that the bank valued the stake at less than $1 million.&nbsp;

The source did not disclose how much of the Weinstein Company Goldman Sachs owns, but described the stake as small. He asked not to be identified because the bank has not publicly released its latest valuation.

A Weinstein Company spokeswoman did not immediately respond to multiple requests for comment.

One of the Weinstein Company&#39;s lenders, AI International Holdings Limited, an affiliate of billionaire Len Blavatnik&#39;s industrial group Access Industries, filed a lawsuit last Friday in New York State Supreme Court demanding immediate repayment of its approximately $44 million loan.

Referring to the allegations against Harvey Weinstein, AI International stated in court papers that his actions and his departure from the company have &quot;left the business&nbsp;in shambles,&quot; and &quot;exposed to potentially massive liabilities that&nbsp;have severely, if not fatally, damaged its standing in the marketplace.&quot;

A spokeswoman for Harvey Weinstein declined to comment.

The Weinstein Company&#39;s other lenders include Bank of America and MUFG Union Bank N.A., according to the lawsuit. They did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Weinstein Company&#39;s board of directors has been receiving advice from investment bank Moelis &amp; Co on its efforts to raise cash, including by potentially selling assets and finding a rescue loan, sources have previously told Reuters. A Moelis spokeswoman declined to comment.

Investment firm Fortress Investment Group LLC&nbsp;was considering lending to the film and TV studio, but those talks ended without a deal last week, according to another person familiar with the matter. Fortress would consider providing Weinstein Co with funding to help it through a bankruptcy process, if it came to that, the person said.

A Fortress spokesman declined to comment.

The Weinstein Company&#39;s lenders have hired investment bank Houlihan Lokey Inc for financial advice in a potential restructuring, a source close to that situation said.

The Weinstein Co has been one of Hollywood&rsquo;s most influential forces since its launch in October 2005 and has produced and distributed films including &ldquo;The King&rsquo;s Speech&rdquo; and &ldquo;Silver Linings Playbook.&rdquo;

Goldman Sachs' move comes as the Weinstein Company looks for fresh financing after more than 50 women claimed that Weinstein sexually harassed or assaulted them over the past three decades.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc has written down to zero the value of its stake in the Weinstein Company, the movie studio whose co-chairman Harvey Weinstein stepped down last month following sexual assault allegations, a person familiar with the matter said on Monday. Goldman Sachs' move comes as the Weinstein Company looks for fresh financing after more than 50 women claimed that Weinstein sexually harassed or assaulted them over the past three decades. Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone. Reuters has been unable to independently confirm any of the allegations. Last month, Goldman Sachs said it was trying to find a buyer for its stake in the Weinstein Company. A Goldman Sachs spokesman had said at the time that the bank valued the stake at less than $1 million. The source did not disclose how much of the Weinstein Company Goldman Sachs owns, but described the stake as small. He asked not to be identified because the bank has not publicly released its latest valuation. A Weinstein Company spokeswoman did not immediately respond to multiple requests for comment. One of the Weinstein Company's lenders, AI International Holdings Limited, an affiliate of billionaire Len Blavatnik's industrial group Access Industries, filed a lawsuit last Friday in New York State Supreme Court demanding immediate repayment of its approximately $44 million loan. Referring to the allegations against Harvey Weinstein, AI International stated in court papers that his actions and his departure from the company have "left the business in shambles," and "exposed to potentially massive liabilities that have severely, if not fatally, damaged its standing in the marketplace." A spokeswoman for Harvey Weinstein declined to comment. The Weinstein Company's other lenders include Bank of America and MUFG Union Bank N.A., according to the lawsuit. They did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Weinstein Company's board of directors has been receiving advice from investment bank Moelis & Co on its efforts to raise cash, including by potentially selling assets and finding a rescue loan, sources have previously told Reuters. A Moelis spokeswoman declined to comment. Investment firm Fortress Investment Group LLC was considering lending to the film and TV studio, but those talks ended without a deal last week, according to another person familiar with the matter. Fortress would consider providing Weinstein Co with funding to help it through a bankruptcy process, if it came to that, the person said. A Fortress spokesman declined to comment. The Weinstein Company's lenders have hired investment bank Houlihan Lokey Inc for financial advice in a potential restructuring, a source close to that situation said. The Weinstein Co has been one of Hollywood’s most influential forces since its launch in October 2005 and has produced and distributed films including “The King’s Speech” and “Silver Linings Playbook.”

Goldman Sachs marks stake in Weinstein Co to zero: Report

The Delhi High Court said today every unwelcome physical contact cannot be categorised as sexual harassment, live law reported.

High court Justice Vibhu Bakhru while hearing an appeal challenging the clean chit given by the complaint committee and Disciplinary Authority to an employee of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research accused of sexual harassment said: &quot;Undoubtedly, physical contact or advances would constitute sexual harassment provided such physical contact is a part of the sexually determined behavior. Such physical contact must be in the context of a behavior which is sexually oriented.&quot;

&quot;Plainly, a mere accidental physical contact, even though unwelcome, would not amount to sexual harassment,&quot; Justice Bakhru added.

&quot;Similarly, a physical contact which has no undertone of a sexual nature and is not occasioned by the gender of the complainant may not necessarily amount to sexual harassment,&rdquo; Live Law quoted Justice Bakhru as saying.

The woman had alleged that the man had &ldquo;held her hand and pushed her out of the laboratory&rdquo;, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research had exonerated the respondent, Live Law said.

The High Court dismissed the women&#39;s appeal, upholding the decision of the scientific council.

The High Court dismissed the women's appeal, upholding the decision of the scientific council.

The Delhi High Court said today every unwelcome physical contact cannot be categorised as sexual harassment, live law reported. High court Justice Vibhu Bakhru while hearing an appeal challenging the clean chit given by the complaint committee and Disciplinary Authority to an employee of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research accused of sexual harassment said: "Undoubtedly, physical contact or advances would constitute sexual harassment provided such physical contact is a part of the sexually determined behavior. Such physical contact must be in the context of a behavior which is sexually oriented." "Plainly, a mere accidental physical contact, even though unwelcome, would not amount to sexual harassment," Justice Bakhru added. "Similarly, a physical contact which has no undertone of a sexual nature and is not occasioned by the gender of the complainant may not necessarily amount to sexual harassment,” Live Law quoted Justice Bakhru as saying. The woman had alleged that the man had “held her hand and pushed her out of the laboratory”, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research had exonerated the respondent, Live Law said. The High Court dismissed the women's appeal, upholding the decision of the scientific council.

Every unwelcome physical contact cannot be categorised as sexual harassment: High Court

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/everyone-knew-about-weinstein-actress-21317" target="_blank">Harvey Weinstein&#39;s fall should be the end of &quot;dinosaur&quot; men preying on women</a>, Hollywood star Catherine Zeta-Jones said Tuesday as she premiered a film about a woman who had a brutally efficient way of dealing with chauvinism.

The Oscar-winning actress said she hoped <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-police-probing-2004-weinstein-assault-case-22367" target="_blank">Weinstein&#39;s disgrace would be the &quot;tipping point or at last a turning point&quot;</a> in the treatment of women not just in Hollywood but in &quot;any industry, corporation, school or college.&quot;

&quot;Let&#39;s hope that big old dinosaur of men thinking they can get away with that sort of behavior is extinct as of now,&quot; she told reporters.

The British-born star, who plays the notorious Colombian drug baron Griselda Blanco in a new TV film, &quot;Cocaine Godmother&quot;, joked that her character had a rather direct way of dealing with male sexism: &quot;Shoot them in the head.&quot;

Zeta-Jones said that while that would not be her approach, as a woman &quot;you have to give her that, as we still fight for equality in the workplace.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;Griselda had no redeeming traits but the one thing she did have was the ability to stand up against men in a male world,&quot; she said as the film screened at MIPCOM, the top TV industry gathering, in Cannes on the French Riviera.

Sexism is not &quot;just a problem in the film, theatrical or TV industry,&quot; Zeta-Jones added. &quot;It is rife everywhere. As women, we get knocked down as being ambitious. Men don&#39;t get that. We should be proud of being ambitious, we shouldn&#39;t hide it.&quot;&nbsp;

She said she hoped lessons were being learned from the Weinstein affair, &quot;otherwise we truly are stuck in a world that&#39;s very sad and very destructive.&quot;&nbsp;

Despite the dangers from predators, she advised young actors &quot;not to lose your vulnerability -- it is essential to your craft. Vulnerability is a beautiful character trait and we should have it and be allowed to have it. But it&#39;s important that we know it&#39;s protected.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ben-affleck-apologises-for-groping-tv-host-21326" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;Ben Affleck </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ben-affleck-apologises-for-groping-tv-host-21326" target="_blank">apologises</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ben-affleck-apologises-for-groping-tv-host-21326" target="_blank"> for groping TV host</a>

- Typecast for her beauty -

Zeta-Jones, now 48, who left Britain for Hollywood because she felt she was being typecast for her beauty, said she glories in taking on difficult, ambiguous women like Blanco who was &quot;the most feared, dreaded woman in the drugs business&quot; in the 1970s and 1980s before the rise of Pablo Escobar.

&quot;It is very flattering to have your characters always as the &#39;beautiful sexy woman who walks into the room...&#39; But when I hear that I always go, &#39;Ah shoot! That&#39;s way too much time in hair and make-up.&#39; If I could just let all that go and find who this woman was...&quot;

Zeta-Jones said she gained weight for the role and put her back out from the weeks spent mimicking the way Blanco walked.

The actress, who played the wife of a drug lord in the critically-acclaimed film &quot;Traffic&quot; while she was pregnant with her now 17-year-old son, said playing this &quot;dreadful yet fascinating&quot; woman had unleashed &quot;a very sick dark sense of humor I have been hiding for years.&quot;

Even though Blanco was a shopaholic who filled her vast homes with designer clothes and accessories, her life was &quot;not at all glamorous&quot;.

&quot;She never left the house other than to kill someone,&quot; said Zeta-Jones.

Playing the so-called Black Widow as she aged meant she didn&#39;t have to worry about having &quot;baggy eyes&quot; if she didn&#39;t sleep well during filming.&nbsp;

&quot;Normally I sleep propped up on pillows&quot; during shoots so that doesn&#39;t happen, she said.

Zeta-Jones said she hoped lessons were being learned from the Weinstein affair, 'otherwise, we truly are stuck in a world that's very sad and very destructive'

Harvey Weinstein's fall should be the end of "dinosaur" men preying on women, Hollywood star Catherine Zeta-Jones said Tuesday as she premiered a film about a woman who had a brutally efficient way of dealing with chauvinism. The Oscar-winning actress said she hoped Weinstein's disgrace would be the "tipping point or at last a turning point" in the treatment of women not just in Hollywood but in "any industry, corporation, school or college." "Let's hope that big old dinosaur of men thinking they can get away with that sort of behavior is extinct as of now," she told reporters. The British-born star, who plays the notorious Colombian drug baron Griselda Blanco in a new TV film, "Cocaine Godmother", joked that her character had a rather direct way of dealing with male sexism: "Shoot them in the head." Zeta-Jones said that while that would not be her approach, as a woman "you have to give her that, as we still fight for equality in the workplace." "Griselda had no redeeming traits but the one thing she did have was the ability to stand up against men in a male world," she said as the film screened at MIPCOM, the top TV industry gathering, in Cannes on the French Riviera. Sexism is not "just a problem in the film, theatrical or TV industry," Zeta-Jones added. "It is rife everywhere. As women, we get knocked down as being ambitious. Men don't get that. We should be proud of being ambitious, we shouldn't hide it." She said she hoped lessons were being learned from the Weinstein affair, "otherwise we truly are stuck in a world that's very sad and very destructive." Despite the dangers from predators, she advised young actors "not to lose your vulnerability -- it is essential to your craft. Vulnerability is a beautiful character trait and we should have it and be allowed to have it. But it's important that we know it's protected." Also Read: Ben Affleck apologises for groping TV host - Typecast for her beauty - Zeta-Jones, now 48, who left Britain for Hollywood because she felt she was being typecast for her beauty, said she glories in taking on difficult, ambiguous women like Blanco who was "the most feared, dreaded woman in the drugs business" in the 1970s and 1980s before the rise of Pablo Escobar. "It is very flattering to have your characters always as the 'beautiful sexy woman who walks into the room...' But when I hear that I always go, 'Ah shoot! That's way too much time in hair and make-up.' If I could just let all that go and find who this woman was..." Zeta-Jones said she gained weight for the role and put her back out from the weeks spent mimicking the way Blanco walked. The actress, who played the wife of a drug lord in the critically-acclaimed film "Traffic" while she was pregnant with her now 17-year-old son, said playing this "dreadful yet fascinating" woman had unleashed "a very sick dark sense of humor I have been hiding for years." Even though Blanco was a shopaholic who filled her vast homes with designer clothes and accessories, her life was "not at all glamorous". "She never left the house other than to kill someone," said Zeta-Jones. Playing the so-called Black Widow as she aged meant she didn't have to worry about having "baggy eyes" if she didn't sleep well during filming. "Normally I sleep propped up on pillows" during shoots so that doesn't happen, she said.

Weinstein scandal signals end for dinosaur men: Zeta-Jones

Women facing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/australian-model-latest-to-accuse-weinstein-says-his-colleagues-helped-22467">sexual harassment and assault took over social media </a>trends today with #MeToo&nbsp;trending across Twitter, Facebook&nbsp;etcetera.

The hashtag started going <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-police-probing-2004-weinstein-assault-case-22367">viral on Sunday night after&nbsp;Actress Alyssa Milano tweeted </a>out suggesting that women should speak up on social media to let the world know that the problem of sexual violence is far more widespread than it is believed to be.&nbsp;

By Monday evening, sections of the international press reported that&nbsp;Hollywood&nbsp;film&nbsp;mogul&nbsp;Harvey Weinstein&#39;s&nbsp;company was in talks with US private equity firm, Colony Capital,&nbsp;for the sale of The Weinstein Company.&nbsp;

Miano&#39;s viral&nbsp;tweet comes in the wake of a series of&nbsp;complaints against Hollywood&nbsp;film&nbsp;studio boss Harvey Weinstein, who is accused of sexual harassment and assault by several actresses, including some top names like Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ashley Judd. Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone.&nbsp;

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If you&rsquo;ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write &lsquo;me too&rsquo; as a reply to this tweet. <a href="https://t.co/k2oeCiUf9n">pic.twitter.com/k2oeCiUf9n</a>
&mdash; Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alyssa_Milano/status/919659438700670976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Milano, who cited a friend&#39;s suggestion to do this, sent out a tweet&nbsp;on Sunday night sharing the suggestion of a friend of hers that the &quot;Me Too&nbsp;status might give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem&quot;.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The tweet touched a raw nerve with women&nbsp;across&nbsp;the world who then started sharing the #MeToo&nbsp;status across social media platforms, along with their&nbsp;personal stories.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/metoo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#metoo</a> I was raped by my mother and a male family member, sexually assaulted as a model, sexually harassed by the director of my agency.
&mdash; Nikki DuBose (@TheNikkiDuBose) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheNikkiDuBose/status/919706785073709056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeToo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeToo</a> 
 
And I was blamed for it. 
I was told not to talk about it. 
I was told that it wasn&#39;t that bad. 
I was told to get over it.
&mdash; Najwa Zebian (@najwazebian) <a href="https://twitter.com/najwazebian/status/919716293602893825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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We shouldn&#39;t have to out ourselves as survivors in order for people to grasp the magnitude of how systemic assault &amp; harassment are. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeToo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeToo</a>
&mdash; Lara Witt (@Femmefeministe) <a href="https://twitter.com/Femmefeministe/status/919746707524550656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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After the controversy broke out,&nbsp;Weinstein&nbsp;was ousted from the Oscar awards committee and&nbsp;French President Emmanuel Macaron&nbsp;moved to strip Weinstein of&nbsp;his Legion of Honor award since his actions &quot;lacked&nbsp;honour&quot;.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reuters reported that Milano&rsquo;s original tweet received over 37,000 comments, and the hashtag was one of the top trends on Twitter in Britain and the United States. About&nbsp;7 million&nbsp;were discussing &ldquo;Me Too&rdquo;&nbsp;on Facebook&nbsp;on Monday.&nbsp;

The hashtag started going viral on Sunday night after?Actress Alyssa Milano tweeted out suggesting that women should speak up on social media

Women facing sexual harassment and assault took over social media trends today with #MeToo trending across Twitter, Facebook etcetera. The hashtag started going viral on Sunday night after Actress Alyssa Milano tweeted out suggesting that women should speak up on social media to let the world know that the problem of sexual violence is far more widespread than it is believed to be. By Monday evening, sections of the international press reported that Hollywood film mogul Harvey Weinstein's company was in talks with US private equity firm, Colony Capital, for the sale of The Weinstein Company. Miano's viral tweet comes in the wake of a series of complaints against Hollywood film studio boss Harvey Weinstein, who is accused of sexual harassment and assault by several actresses, including some top names like Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ashley Judd. Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone. If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet. pic.twitter.com/k2oeCiUf9n — Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) October 15, 2017 × Milano, who cited a friend's suggestion to do this, sent out a tweet on Sunday night sharing the suggestion of a friend of hers that the "Me Too status might give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem". The tweet touched a raw nerve with women across the world who then started sharing the #MeToo status across social media platforms, along with their personal stories. #metoo I was raped by my mother and a male family member, sexually assaulted as a model, sexually harassed by the director of my agency. — Nikki DuBose (@TheNikkiDuBose) October 15, 2017 × #MeToo And I was blamed for it. I was told not to talk about it. I was told that it wasn't that bad. I was told to get over it. — Najwa Zebian (@najwazebian) October 16, 2017 × We shouldn't have to out ourselves as survivors in order for people to grasp the magnitude of how systemic assault & harassment are. #MeToo — Lara Witt (@Femmefeministe) October 16, 2017 × After the controversy broke out, Weinstein was ousted from the Oscar awards committee and French President Emmanuel Macaron moved to strip Weinstein of his Legion of Honor award since his actions "lacked honour". Reuters reported that Milano’s original tweet received over 37,000 comments, and the hashtag was one of the top trends on Twitter in Britain and the United States. About 7 million were discussing “Me Too” on Facebook on Monday.

#MeToo: Women across the world resonate Weinstein's accusers

Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein faced claims Tuesday he raped an Italian film star and two other women, in a widening scandal that has drawn condemnation from across the film industry as well as America&#39;s political elite.

The women&#39;s allegations against the 65-year-old movie mogul were made in an bombshell expose published by the New Yorker Tuesday.&nbsp;

Weinstein denies all charges, according to a statement from his spokeswoman Sallie Hofmeister, circulated among US media.

But former President Barack Obama and presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton have weighed in to condemn the Oscar-winning producer, a longtime Democratic Party donor who has become a political liability.

His wife, British fashion designer Georgina Chapman meanwhile told celebrity magazine People she was leaving Weinstein, with whom she has two children.

The latest accusations are a hugely damaging escalation of the scandal. Previous allegations which led to his weekend sacking from The Weinstein Company had so far been limited to complaints about harassment.&nbsp;

New Yorker writer Ronan Farrow spent 10 months interviewing 13 women who reported they were harassed or assaulted by Weinstein.&nbsp;

Harassment victims also included Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie

The investigation was published as fresh misconduct allegations emerged from Hollywood A-listers such as Angelina Jolie, Rosanna Arquette and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Italian actress Asia Argento, the 42-year-old daughter of iconic horror director Dario Argento, said Weinstein forced oral sex and intercourse on her 20 years ago.&nbsp;

She told the publication she had maintained her silence until now for fear that Weinstein would &quot;crush&quot; her, adding: &quot;I know he has crushed a lot of people before.&quot;&nbsp;

She said Weinstein, who has weighed up to 300 pounds (136 kilograms), terrified her due to his immense size.

&quot;It wouldn&#39;t stop. It was a nightmare,&quot; she added, revealing that she had felt forced to pretend she was enjoying the attack in hopes that it would be over with sooner.

Argento acknowledges that her credibility may be compromised by the fact that she eventually yielded to his advances, even growing close to him and having consensual sex with him multiple times over the following five years.

She said she felt &quot;obliged&quot; to submit, however, and worried that he would ruin her career if she rejected him.

&quot;Just his body, his presence, his face, bring me back to the little girl that I was when I was 21... After the rape, he won,&quot; she told the New Yorker.

Lucia Evans, an aspiring actress, said she met Weinstein at the Miramax office in New York in 2004 and that he forced her to perform oral sex on him.

&quot;I said, over and over, &#39;I don&#39;t want to do this, stop, don&#39;t,&#39;&quot; she told the New Yorker.

&#39;People give up&#39; 
 
Evans said she was overpowered and &quot;just sort of gave up.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;That&#39;s the most horrible part of it, and that&#39;s why he&#39;s been able to do this for so long to so many women: people give up, and then they feel like it&#39;s their fault,&quot; she added.

Another woman, who was too afraid to allow her name to be published, told the New Yorker Weinstein brought her to a hotel room and &quot;forced himself on me sexually.&quot;

She thought about going to the police but decided it would be a case of &quot;he said, she said,&quot; and worried about how powerful his legal team would be, and how much she had to lose.&nbsp;

Another instance involved model Ambra Battilana Gutierrez, once a finalist in the Miss Italy contest, whom the New Yorker said Weinstein met in March 2015 at a reception for a show he was producing in New York.&nbsp;

According to the New Yorker, Gutierrez says Weinstein &quot;lunged at her, groping her breasts and attempting to put a hand up her skirt&quot; at a meeting in his offices in Tribeca.

She reported the incident and the New York Police Department asked her to wear a wire to his play &quot;Finding Neverland.&quot;&nbsp;

Audio of their conversation in a hallway at the Tribeca Grand Hotel was released by the magazine, with Weinstein heard repeatedly trying to persuade her to come into his room.&nbsp;

&quot;Why yesterday you touch my breast?&quot; she asks, and he replies: &quot;Oh, please, I&#39;m sorry, just come on in, I&#39;m used to that.&quot;&nbsp;

Clinton, Obama weigh in 
 
Authorities decided not to press charges, according to the New Yorker, after it emerged the young woman had attended one of former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi&#39;s infamous &quot;bunga bunga&quot; sex parties.

Weinstein was fired late Sunday from his own film studio, three days after a New York Times report alleged that the man behind such hits as &quot;The King&#39;s Speech&quot; and &quot;The Artist&quot; had preyed on young women hoping to break into the industry.&nbsp;

The Times, as well as various entertainment media, separately reported on Tuesday that the litany of Weinstein&#39;s harassment victims also included Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Rosanna Arquette and French actress Judith Godreche.

&quot;I was shocked and appalled by the revelations about Harvey Weinstein,&quot; former Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton said in a statement Tuesday, while former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle said they were &quot;disgusted.&quot;

&quot;Any man who demeans and degrades women in such fashion needs to be condemned and held accountable, regardless of wealth or status,&quot; they said in a statement.

Chapman, his second wife, with whom he has two children, told People: &quot;I have chosen to leave my husband. Caring for my young children is my first priority and I ask the media for privacy at this time.&quot;

Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein faced claims Tuesday he raped an Italian film star and two other women

Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein faced claims Tuesday he raped an Italian film star and two other women, in a widening scandal that has drawn condemnation from across the film industry as well as America's political elite. The women's allegations against the 65-year-old movie mogul were made in an bombshell expose published by the New Yorker Tuesday. Weinstein denies all charges, according to a statement from his spokeswoman Sallie Hofmeister, circulated among US media. But former President Barack Obama and presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton have weighed in to condemn the Oscar-winning producer, a longtime Democratic Party donor who has become a political liability. His wife, British fashion designer Georgina Chapman meanwhile told celebrity magazine People she was leaving Weinstein, with whom she has two children. The latest accusations are a hugely damaging escalation of the scandal. Previous allegations which led to his weekend sacking from The Weinstein Company had so far been limited to complaints about harassment. New Yorker writer Ronan Farrow spent 10 months interviewing 13 women who reported they were harassed or assaulted by Weinstein. Harassment victims also included Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie The investigation was published as fresh misconduct allegations emerged from Hollywood A-listers such as Angelina Jolie, Rosanna Arquette and Gwyneth Paltrow. Italian actress Asia Argento, the 42-year-old daughter of iconic horror director Dario Argento, said Weinstein forced oral sex and intercourse on her 20 years ago. She told the publication she had maintained her silence until now for fear that Weinstein would "crush" her, adding: "I know he has crushed a lot of people before." She said Weinstein, who has weighed up to 300 pounds (136 kilograms), terrified her due to his immense size. "It wouldn't stop. It was a nightmare," she added, revealing that she had felt forced to pretend she was enjoying the attack in hopes that it would be over with sooner. Argento acknowledges that her credibility may be compromised by the fact that she eventually yielded to his advances, even growing close to him and having consensual sex with him multiple times over the following five years. She said she felt "obliged" to submit, however, and worried that he would ruin her career if she rejected him. "Just his body, his presence, his face, bring me back to the little girl that I was when I was 21... After the rape, he won," she told the New Yorker. Lucia Evans, an aspiring actress, said she met Weinstein at the Miramax office in New York in 2004 and that he forced her to perform oral sex on him. "I said, over and over, 'I don't want to do this, stop, don't,'" she told the New Yorker. 'People give up' Evans said she was overpowered and "just sort of gave up." "That's the most horrible part of it, and that's why he's been able to do this for so long to so many women: people give up, and then they feel like it's their fault," she added. Another woman, who was too afraid to allow her name to be published, told the New Yorker Weinstein brought her to a hotel room and "forced himself on me sexually." She thought about going to the police but decided it would be a case of "he said, she said," and worried about how powerful his legal team would be, and how much she had to lose. Another instance involved model Ambra Battilana Gutierrez, once a finalist in the Miss Italy contest, whom the New Yorker said Weinstein met in March 2015 at a reception for a show he was producing in New York. According to the New Yorker, Gutierrez says Weinstein "lunged at her, groping her breasts and attempting to put a hand up her skirt" at a meeting in his offices in Tribeca. She reported the incident and the New York Police Department asked her to wear a wire to his play "Finding Neverland." Audio of their conversation in a hallway at the Tribeca Grand Hotel was released by the magazine, with Weinstein heard repeatedly trying to persuade her to come into his room. "Why yesterday you touch my breast?" she asks, and he replies: "Oh, please, I'm sorry, just come on in, I'm used to that." Clinton, Obama weigh in Authorities decided not to press charges, according to the New Yorker, after it emerged the young woman had attended one of former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's infamous "bunga bunga" sex parties. Weinstein was fired late Sunday from his own film studio, three days after a New York Times report alleged that the man behind such hits as "The King's Speech" and "The Artist" had preyed on young women hoping to break into the industry. The Times, as well as various entertainment media, separately reported on Tuesday that the litany of Weinstein's harassment victims also included Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Rosanna Arquette and French actress Judith Godreche. "I was shocked and appalled by the revelations about Harvey Weinstein," former Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton said in a statement Tuesday, while former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle said they were "disgusted." "Any man who demeans and degrades women in such fashion needs to be condemned and held accountable, regardless of wealth or status," they said in a statement. Chapman, his second wife, with whom he has two children, told People: "I have chosen to leave my husband. Caring for my young children is my first priority and I ask the media for privacy at this time."

Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein accused of rape

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