 |
| Harvey Weinstein Photo: Georges Biard |
Disgraced producer Harvey Weinsteir was arrested today and charged with rape. Taken into custody in Lower Manhattan at 07:30 local time, he declined to speak to the waiting press. He was placed in handcuffs, but was later granted bail after putting up $1M, surrendering his passport and agreeing to wear an electronic tag and not leave the New York and Connecticut area.
Weinstein was arraigned on charges of first degree rape and third degree rape in one case, and a first degree criminal sex act in another, where he stands accused of forcing a woman to engage in oral sex with him during a meeting at his New York offices.
In a statement, the New York Police department paid tribute to the bravery of the women who came forward to make these allegations.
Weinstein's lawyer later stated "I anticipate... that the charges will not be believed by 12 people, assuming we get 12 fair people not consumed by the movement." He said that his client was entering a Not Guilty plea, and added "Weinstein did not invent the casting couch in Hollywood... Bad behaviour is not on trial in this case. It is only if you intentionally committed a criminal act and Weinstein vigorously denies that."
The producer has previously denied allegations of rape. He took a leave of absence from the Weinstein Company last year after multiple accusations of sexual misconduct surfaced, and was fired shortly afterwards.
The investigation into the former producer continues and is reportedly looking at possible financial offences as well as sexual ones.
