NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — Former Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein , previously indicted in New York on charges involving two women, was released on bail Monday while fighting sex crime accusations that now include a third woman. Weinstein pleaded not guilty after he was brought into the courtroom while handcuffed from behind, then uncuffed for the proceeding. The next hearing for Weinstein is scheduled for Sept. 20. Harvey Weinstein is escorted in handcuffs into State Supreme Court on Monday for arraignment on charges alleging he committed a sex crime against a third woman on July 9, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) “His position has been from the beginning that any sexual encounters he had with anyone in the period in question were consensual and that he was never engaged in any forcibly sexual compulsion whatsoever,” defense attorney Ben Brafman said outside court. “We fight these battles one day at a time, and today we won this round.” Brafman said during the arraignment that he expects more charges. An updated indictment unveiled last week alleges the former movie mogul performed a forcible sex act on a woman in 2006. The new charges include two counts of predatory sexual assault, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison upon conviction. The lawyer for the third alleged sex crime victim said her client will testify if the case goes to trial. Gloria Allred said outside court Monday that she doubts Weinstein’s lawyer would allow him to do the same because it would subject him to cross-examination by prosecutors. Weinstein has been free on $1 million bail. Prosecutors Monday pushed for Weinstein to be confined to house arrest in New York City, CBS2’s Natalie Duddridge reported. But his attorney argued the media would find out where he lives and it would become a circus, adding that his client needs to remain in Connecticut for his medical appointments and only wants to clear his name. “Mr. Weinstein is not a predator, he is not a rapist and I believe that when this case is over, we will ultimately see him be exonerated,” Brafman said. Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. said Weinstein is charged with “some of the most serious sexual offenses” that exist under state law. One of the other two accusers, who has not been identified publicly, told investigators Weinstein allegedly cornered her in a hotel room and raped her in 2013. The other, former actress Lucia Evans, says she was allegedly forced to perform a sex act at his office in 2004. More than 75 women have come forward accusing Weinstein of sexual abuse. Vance has urged other accusers to come forward, saying the investigation continues. “If you are a survivor of the predatory abuse with which Mr. Weinstein is charged, there is still time to pursue justice,” he said. Weinstein, who produced movies including “Pulp Fiction” and “Shakespeare in Love,” has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex, with his attorney challenging the credibility of his accusers. (© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Continue reading here:
Weinstein Pleads Not Guilty To New Charges, Released On Bail
