Gigi Hadid called as potential juror in Harvey Weinstein trial

Model Gigi Hadid has been revealed to be a potential juror in Harvey Weinstein’s rape trial.

The 24-year-old fashion star appeared in court in New York on Monday as part of the jury selection process ahead of the disgraced Hollywood producer’s trial.

Hadid, who lives in Manhattan, was part of the latest pool of 120 potential jurors summoned for the case.

Surrounded by photographers as she left the courthouse, Hadid said: “I’m not allowed to talk about jury duty. I’m sorry.”

Hadid told judge James Burke that she had met defendant Weinstein, 67, and also that she knew Salma Hayek, an actor who has accused Weinstein of sexual harassment and aggression when she rejected his advances.

Read more: Harvey Weinstein accused of sexually assaulting aspiring actress, then 16

Hadid is also a known friend of model and actress Cara Delevingne, another of the stars to have publicly made accusations of sexual harassment against Weinstein.

Asked by the judge if she could be an impartial juror, Hadid said: “I think I’m still able to keep an open mind on the facts.”

The trial is still in its early stages with 40 jurors already having been dismissed last week. Burke said he hopes to have a jury selected by next week.

Hadid was questioned during an initial screening process, now on its fifth day, that has been hampered by a host of challenges and distractions.

They include defence requests for the judge to step aside and for jury selection to be held in secret, both of which were denied, and a noisy protest outside the courthouse.

Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to five counts that include raping a woman in 2013 and forcing another woman to engage in oral sexual conduct in 2006. The most serious charge he faces is predatory sexual assault, which carries a maximum sentence of life.

Read more: Cara Delevingne: 'Harvey Weinstein told me to get a beard'

Weinstein has been accused of sexual misconduct, harassment and assault by more than 80 women, including high profile stars such as Ashley Judd and Gwyneth Paltrow. The allegations began surfacing publicly in October 2017 and sparked the #MeToo movement. He has denied all accusations of nonconsensual sex and has maintained his innocence.

Last week he appeared in court using a walking frame and was reprimanded by the judge for using his phone during the jury selection process.