Over the last two years, dozens have come forward with reports of sexual misconduct by big name Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. This week, he is facing trial in New York for five reports of sexual crimes including first-degree rape. More than 80 women have accused him of similar crimes, and two more in Los Angeles are now moving forward with their claims.
It was announced in Los Angeles on Monday morning that charges will be pressed by two women who claim that Weinstein assaulted them in LA hotel rooms within 2 days of each others in February 2013. Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey stated about the case “We believe the evidence will show that the defendant used his power and influence to gain access to his victims and then commit crimes against them.” Lacey has been part of a task force organized in 2017 to investigate sexual misconduct in entertainment companies and has reviewed over 40 cases since then. This is one of the first cases where they believe there is enough evidence to prosecute.
With the two cases, he could face between 10 years to life in prison. The New York case is expected to proceed as planned. Weinstein pleads innocent on all counts and denies being present at any of the locations of the claimed assaults. Some of his cases are still under review, and between the trials that each last several weeks, it may be some time before any concrete news comes to light. According to the LA DA’s office, there are teams still actively investigating the case.
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