The trial of former film producer Harvey Weinstein (67) started on Wednesday (January 22) with the opening speech in New York. There the prosecutor Meghan Hast accused him of serious sexual crimes. Weinstein's defense is now trying to question the plaintiffs' credibility.
Hast presented to the court the cases of several women who Weinstein is said to have sexually abused. The "prosecutor is quoted by the BBC as quoting that it has" used its power in the entertainment industry to ensure its silence ". Hast also announced that the victims will tell their stories during the trial.
The process focuses on allegations of rape by two women: one of them is said to have forced Weinstein to have oral sex in 2006, the other he is said to have raped in 2013. But Weinstein rejects the allegations and claims that the sexual acts were consensual. Among other things, his lawyers want to prove this with emails in which the women had agreed to the sexual relationship with Weinstein.
Weinstein on the road again without walking aid
Weinstein appeared in the courtroom on Wednesday without his walking aid, which he had relied on for a back surgery in the past few weeks. While his lawyers supported him through the reporter masses, he was asked if he expected fair trial. Then he replied "Of course", as the "BBC" writes.
The process started on January 6th and is expected to continue until early March. Weinstein faces life imprisonment if convicted.