Prosecutor calls Weinstein ‘abusive rapist’

A prosecutor said on Friday that Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was “an abusive rapist” and “a predator” who used his power to manipulate and assault several women in the movie business, then stayed in touch with them to ensure their silence and compliance.

“He had a surefire insurance policy: That the witnesses were standing in line to get into his universe,” Joan Illuzzi, an assistant district attorney, told the jury during her closing arguments at Weinstein’s rape trial.

In her presentation, Illuzzi returned repeatedly to the difference in power between Weinstein — “a giant” in the film industry — and his accusers, who were trying to break into the film industry.

“It is a complete dichotomy,” she said. “Here is the defendant with everything using and abusing people who he knows has nothing.”

Weinstein, 67, has pleaded not guilty to five felony charges in the case — including rape, criminal sexual assault and predatory sexual assault — which carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Six women testified at trial that he had sexually assaulted them, though he faces charges in connection with only two of them. The others were allowed to testify to establish a pattern of behavior.

The indictment rests on the accusations of two women: Miriam Haley, a former TV production assistant who testified that Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on her in 2006; and Jessica Mann, an aspiring actress from a small town in Washington state, who claimed he raped her in 2013.

Both women acknowledged during cross-examination that they not only had friendly interactions with Weinstein after their alleged attacks, but later had consensual sex with him.

“The question is not whether or not Jessica made a bad decision,” Illuzzi told the jury. “The question for you is whether or not Jessica Mann is lying about it. She’s telling you the truth. She’s the victim of rape.”

“She could have been writing him love notes every single day,” Illuzzi added. “... She could have been married to him. It still wouldn’t make a difference. He still would not be allowed to rape her.”