Time’s Up wants Weinstein probe

Time’s Up, an initiative started by Hollywood women to fight systemic sexual harassment, called Monday for New York’s governor to investigate the Manhattan district attorney’s office over a decision in 2015 not to prosecute a sex-abuse case against Harvey Weinstein.

The group says a report in New York magazine is disturbing because it suggests the district attorney’s office may have been improperly influenced by Weinstein and sought to intimidate an Italian model who accused the disgraced media mogul of groping her.

“An independent investigation into the full decision-making process in this case, including a full review of the corre- spondence within the office and with any representatives for Mr. Weinstein, must be undertaken immediately to ensure that prosecutorial integrity was maintained and to restore faith in the DA’s office,” the statement says.

In 2015, police conducted a sting after Ambra Battilana Gutierrez accused Weinstein of groping her, secretly recording Weinstein apologizing for this conduct.

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. ultimately decided there wasn’t enough proof and didn’t bring a case.

Weinstein’s lawyer, David Boies, donated $10,000 (U.S.) to Vance after his office declined to pursue charges, but a spokesperson said at the time that Boies was not Weinstein’s lawyer on that case.