Weinstein rape trial under way as opening statements are heard

ability, victims’ empowerment and frank confrontation with power dynamics in workplaces from Hollywood Boulevard to Main Street.

W einstein’ s accusers include some well-known actresses who plan to testify or attend the trial and others who are looking to the New York case for a form of jus - tice because their allegations haven’t resulted in criminal charges.

“This trial is so important because the enormity of Harvey Weinstein’s international power and fame offers an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the rampant abuse of power that permeates our culture on a global level,” actress Jessica Barth said on Tuesday.

“Not only the outcome of this trial, but the trial as a whole, is precedent setting,” said Ms Barth, a star of the Ted films who says Weinstein once invited her to his hotel suite and demanded a naked massage.

The once-powerful Pulp Fiction producer, who denies any non-consensual encounters, faces the possibility of life in prison if convicted.

Once trailed by whispers in Hollywood circles, Weinstein was met with an explosion of allegations from dozens of women after The New York Times and The New Yorker published separate ex poses about his behaviour in October 2017.

The New York charges, however, are limited to two allegations: that Weinstein raped a woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and sexually assaulted a different woman in his Manhattan apartment in 2006.

Backed byexpectedt es timony from four other accusers, prosecutors will attempt to portray W einstein as a monster who used his power to ingratiate himself with women, sometimes promising a film role or other career advancement, before sexually assaulting or raping them.