Harvey Weinstein's rape and sexual assault trial began in earnest in New York on Wednesday, with the defence expected to detail "loving" emails between the once-mighty movie producer and his accusers. A frail-looking Weinstein, 67, walked slowly into the court premises, but without the walking frame he has used for recent proceedings.He faces life in prison if convicted of predatory sexual assault charges related to two women in a case seen as key to the #MeToo movement. During opening statements in the high-profile rape case, New York prosecutors accused Weinstein of committing violent attacks on aspiring actresses who suffered shame and humiliation as they struggled to deal with the trauma of the encounters.
Weinstein, 67, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting two women, Mimi Haleyi and Jessica Mann. He faces up to life in prison if convicted of the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault. More than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct since claims against him ignited the #MeToo movement in October 2017. But many of the alleged crimes fall outside the timeframe for bringing charges. Seven men and five women make up the jury in the trial which is expected to run until March 6. High-profile women's rights attorney Gloria Allred, who represents two women involved in the trial, has said the accusers must prepare for a "brutal cross-examination." Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi-Orbon is leading the prosecution, while Chicago lawyer Donna Rotunno, who has defended numerous men accused of sexual assault, leads the defense.