Harvey Weinstein abused his status as a Hollywood power broker to lure young women into violent sexual attacks, a New York prosecutor told jurors on Wednesday as the former film producer's rape trial got underway.
Jillian Kitchener has more.
Prosecutor paints Weinstein as 'a rapist'
(SOUNDBITE) (English) FILM PRODUCER, HARVEY WEINSTEIN, WALKING IN COURTHOUSE HALLWAY SAYING: ("REPORTER ASKING: "Harvey how are you feeling this morning?") WEINSTEIN SAYING: "Better" ("REPORTER ASKING: "You're feeling better?") WEINSTEIN SAYING: "Yeah." ("REPORTER ASKING: "Do you feel like you'll have a fair trial?") WEINSTEIN SAYING: "Of course." Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein gave confident remarks as he walked into a Manhattan federal court, Wednesday, for opening statements in his criminal trial… where a New York prosecutor characterized him as a seasoned predator who lured young women into violent sexual acts.
Weinstein is accused of assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and another woman in 2013.
Sixty-seven year-old Weinstein could face life in prison if convicted of the most serious charge - predatory sexual assault.
Weinstein denies wrongdoing and says any sexual encounters he had were consensual.
During opening remarks, the Assistant District Attorney described Weinstein’s alleged acts of luring women into hotel rooms or private apartments where he would attack them.
One female juror grimaced at the graphic descriptions.
Weinstein sat quietly at the defense table, occasionally sipping water from a clear plastic cup or writing on a legal pad.
One of Weinstein’s lawyers, Damon Cheronis, said that the accusers and Weinstein had friendly relations after the alleged attacks... and one of them told Weinstein she would always love him.
Since 2017, more than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct.