Rose McGowan speaks out as Harvey Weinstein prepares to face police

Actress and campaigner Rose McGowan today said alleged victims of Harvey Weinstein were “one step closer to justice” as the disgraced film producer was preparing to surrender to New York police over sex allegations.

McGowan said reports that the disgraced Hollywood mogul would hand himself in to authorities gave her and other survivors “hope” that he would be held “accountable by law”.

More than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual harassment and assault including rape, in allegations spanning three decades.

McGowan, one of Weinstein’s accusers, said: “I, and so many of Harvey Weinstein’s survivors, had given up hope that our rapist would be held accountable by law.

“Twenty years ago, I swore I would right this wrong. Today we are one step closer to justice.

“We were young women who were assaulted by Weinstein and later terrorised by his vast network of complicity. I stand with my fellow survivors. May this give hope to all victims and survivors everywhere that are telling their truths.”

Italian actress Asia Argento, who has accused Weinstein of rape, shared an article announcing his planned surrender on Twitter, writing “BOOM” with an explosion emoji.

Weinstein is expected to be charged in connection with allegations made by Lucia Evans, who said he forced her to perform oral sex on him as an aspiring actress in 2004, according to reports.

Now a marketing consultant, she was among the first women to speak out about the 66-year-old producer. It is likely the case will include at least one other accuser who has not come forward publicly, according to officials.

Last night Evans confirmed to The New Yorker magazine she was pressing charges. “At a certain point, you have to think about the greater good of humanity, of womankind,” she said.

Weinstein’s lawyer Ben Brafman declined to comment on the reports his client would hand himself in. He said in court paperwork filed this month in a bankruptcy proceeding that allegations Weinstein forced himself on women were “entirely without merit”.