Grinning Weinstein charged with rape
SHAMED PRODUCER ON $1M BAIL
HARVEY Weinstein will face trial after being charged with rape.
The film producer, making his first public appearance since October, spoke only to confirm he understood the charges which involve two separate women.
It is the first time Weinstein has faced criminal charges since an avalanche of accusations – including from some of Hollywood’s biggest stars – first emerged last year.
Earlier yesterday Weinstein had turned himself over to police in New York to face the charges.
Wearing a black suit, white shirt and blue jumper and appearing to stumble slightly, he clutched two books, Something Wonderful: Rodgers And Hammerstein’s Broadway Revolution, by Todd S Purdum, and Richard Schickel’s biography of producer, director and writer Elia Kazan.
He then left the NYPD’s 1st Precinct handcuffed and grinning as he was escorted to court.
He was charged with two counts of rape – one in the first degree and another in the third degree – and one count of a criminal sexual act for alleged incidents involving two separate women.
Weinstein has repeatedly denied any allegations of nonconsensual sex and intends to plead not guilty, his lawyer Benjamin Brafman said outside court.
He posted a one million dollar (£751,060) cash bail and will wear an electronic monitor which tracks his movements 24 hours a day.