Weinstein in court over rape charges

NEWYORK: Film producer Harvey Weinstein surrendered to New York City police on Friday on charges of rape and sex abuse and was taken to court in handcuffs, months after he was toppled from Hollywood’s highest ranks by scores of women accusing him of misconduct.

More than 70 women have accused the co-founder of the Miramax film studio and the Weinstein Co of sexual misconduct, including rape, with some allegations dating back decades.

He has denied having nonconsensual sex with anyone, and his lawyer Benjamin Brafman said he intends to plead not guilty.

Weinstein, 66, is charged with two counts of rape and one count of a criminal sexual act against two women, prosecutors said. They did not identify the women.

“This defendant used his position, money and power to lure young women into situations where he was able to violate them sexually,” prosecutor Joan Illuzzi said at Weinstein’s arraignment i n Manhattan Criminal Court.

Judge Kevin Mcgrath ordered Weinstein released on $1 million cash bail. The fallen mogul surrendered his passport and agreed to wear a monitoring device that tracks his location.

Police officers had escorted Weinstein inside a lower Manhattan police station at about 7.25 am local time.

About 90 minutes later, Weinstein was led by officers into court in handcuffs to await arraignment.