Yahoo News Harvey Weinstein indicted for rape allegation
Note: The following article contains allegations of sexual misconduct that some readers may find distressing.
UPDATE (30/5/2018): Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr announced on Wednesday (May 30) that Harvey Weinstein has been indicted by a grand jury with first and third degree rape as well as a first criminal sexual act, following his arrest last week.
"This indictment brings the defendant another step closer to accountability for the crimes of violence with which he is now charged," Vance said. "Our office will try this case not in the press, but in the courtroom where it belongs. The defendant's recent assault on the integrity of the survivors and the legal process is predictable. We are confident that when the jury hears the evidence, it will reject these attacks out of hand."
Harvey Weinstein could now face up to 25 years behind bars, if convicted. His representatives haven't commented on this latest development, but indicated earlier on Wednesday that he will not testify in his impending criminal trial.
UPDATE: Harvey Weinstein has been charged with rape and other counts of sex abuse on two women.
The Hollywood mogul turned himself in to New York authorities today (May 25) to face charges related to an ongoing sexual misconduct probe conducted by the Manhattan District Attorney.
These charges were the result of Manhattan DA Cy Vance Jr's office presenting its findings to a grand jury over the last few weeks, following a lengthy investigation.
Weinstein has always "unequivocally denied" any allegations of non-consensual sex made against him.
The New York Police Department said in a statement: "Today, at the NYPD's 1st Precinct, Harvey Weinstein was arrested, processed and charged with rape, criminal sex act, sex abuse and sexual misconduct for incidents involving two separate women.
"The NYPD thanks these brave survivors for their courage to come forward and seek justice.
"The arrest and ensuing charges are the result of a joint investigation between the NYPD and the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available."
Weinstein's lawyer Benjamin Brafman said in a statement: "Mr Weinstein has always maintained that he has never engaged in non-consensual sexual behaviour with anyone.
"Nothing about today's proceedings changes Mr Weinstein's position. He has entered a plea of not guilty and fully expects to be exonerated."
ORIGINAL: Harvey Weinstein is facing a fresh sex crime investigation in the US.
Federal prosecutors from the Southern District of New York are pursuing allegations that could potentially lead to federal charges being filed against the disgraced Hollywood mogul, reports the Wall Street Journal.
A previous criminal investigation into Weinstein's conduct was launched in New York earlier in the year, following allegations that he'd assaulted actress Paz de la Huerta. He's also been investigated in the UK.
He has been accused of historic sexual misconduct by more than 80 women, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Rose McGowan, Cara Delevingne and Lupita Nyong'o.
Last month, Rose McGowan expressed doubt that Weinstein "will ever be prosecuted" over the rape and sexual assault allegations that he stands accused of.
"I think you have to understand the judicial system is completely stacked against victims in any way, shape or form, in that most people cannot in fact seek justice that way," she argued on Good Morning Britain.
"I think there should be specially trained police officers, and justices, and judges, that are specifically trained in sexual assault, sexual harassment and abuse, so they can understand it more.
"Right now it's going into regular court systems... It's deeper than what it looks like on the surface, and I don't think Harvey Weinstein will ever be prosecuted for any rapes."
In December, a spokesperson for the producer denied on his behalf that he'd ever committed "sexual assault", admitting only to "impolitic behaviour".
Rape Crisis England and Wales works towards the elimination of sexual violence. If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland's helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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