Harv accuser & DA huddle
One of Harvey Weinstein’s accusers met with Manhattan prosecutors Monday over her bombshell allegations that the law firm representing the fallen movie mogul used shady practices to obtain key evidence from her, sources told The Post.
During the more than two-hour closed-door meeting, Melissa Thompson turned over evidence of her alleged dealings with Alex Spiro, a former associate at Brafman & Associates.
The firm’s prominent partner, Ben Brafman, is defending Weinstein in his rape case.
Sources said top prosecutor Joan Illuzzi, who is leading the case against Weinstein, conducted more than half the interview with Thompson — a sign the DA’s Office may be taking her allegations seriously.
Prosecutors met with her as they consider challenging whether Brafman should continue working on Weinstein’s case in light of the alleged conflict of interest.
In a federal lawsuit filed Friday, Thompson (inset) claims Spiro used “deceptive tactics” to obtain her visual and audio evidence against Weinstein — before she realized Weinstein was Brafman’s client.
Thompson claims Weinstein raped her in 2011 at the Tribeca Grand Hotel — which was also discussed with prosecutors.
Thompson declined to comment after the meeting, but her lawyer, Beth Fagen, warned that Brafman “should have to answer some questions.”
In her suit, Thompson said she was put in touch with Spiro on Oct. 13, 2017, through her then-pal Paolo Zampolli.
She and Spiro, who was using his Brafman firm e-mail account, “exchanged communications on legal strategy to be employed by the victims against Weinstein,” according to the suit.
On Oct. 23, she signed a retainer with another lawyer, Judd Grossman, that also listed Spiro as “outside counsel,” according to papers. That same day, a press release announced Spiro was jumping ship to the Quinn Emanuel law firm.
Thompson first learned Brafman was Weinstein’s lawyer Nov. 8.
In a statement, Spiro said he merely referred Thompson to Grossman.
“Mr. Grossman put my name in the engagement letter without my knowledge,” he said.
Weinstein, who was indicted last week on rape charges, is to be arraigned Tuesday.
The DA’s Office declined to comment.
Brafman said he had nothing to do with Thompson.