Weinstein addresses his pending criminal trial

Days away from the start of a criminal trial at the center of the #MeToo movement and a potential conviction that could send him to prison for decades, Harvey Weinstein is addressing the 26 months since the allegations of sexual misconduct against him were first brought to light.

The highly anticipated rape trial against Mr. Weinstein begins Monday. The former film producer answered eight questions via email.

“The past two years have been grueling and have presented me with a great opportunity for self-reflection,” Mr. Weinstein wrote. “I realize now that I was consumed with my work, my company and my drive for success. This caused me to neglect my family, my relationships and to lash out at the people around me. I have been in rehab since October 2017, and have been involved in a 12step program and meditation. I have learned to give up my need for control.”

Since initial bombshell reports by the New York Times and the New Yorker in October 2017, more than 80 women have accused Mr. Weinstein of sexual abuse ranging from harassment to rape. He is charged with predatory sexual assault, a criminal sexual act, first-degree rape and third-degree rape.

The case against Mr. Weinstein centers on an allegation that he raped a woman in a New York hotel room in 2013, and a second woman who accused Mr. Weinstein of forcibly performing oral sex on her at his Manhattan apartment in 2006.

Other Weinstein accusers will be permitted to take the stand as witnesses to illustrate an alleged pattern of abusive behavior.

He has pleaded not guilty and has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex.

Mr. Weinstein declined to answer if he felt empathy for his accusers.

Defense attorney Donna Rotunno said Mr. Weinstein would be “the first one to say he did bad things,” but claimed he’s not a criminal.