Prosecutors charged Harvey Weinstein in Los Angeles on January 6th, 2020 for sexually assaulting one woman and raping another in separate incidents that took place in 2013 over a two-day period. Harvey Weinstein used his power and influence to pressure and intimidate woman who worked for him or wanted to work for him in doing things for him and with him sexually related.
Jackie Lacey, the Los Angeles County District Attorney, said in a statement that Weinstein is up against felony charges of forcible oral copulation, forcible rape, sexual battery by restraint, and sexual penetration by force.
The charges came forth when the Hollywood producer appeared in a New York court for similar charges on a separate criminal case.
Weinstein allegedly molested two women within 2 days
The criminal complaint states that Weinstein attended the Hollywood film festival on February 17th, 2013 with another woman. The same night, he knocked on her hotel room door and gained entry. Once inside, he spoke to her briefly before allegedly attacking her and forcing her to perform oral sex. He also raped her and digitally penetrated her vagina.
The woman claimed to not have disclosed the assault earlier for fears of death threats made by Weinstein. This case relates to charges of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, and sexual penetration.
After two days, Weinstein met another woman and her acquaintance in a hotel eatery in West Los Angeles. He persuaded the two to accompany him to his hotel suite where one woman was coerced into following him into the bathroom.
He allegedly removed his clothes and held her in place by her breast while he masturbated. He prevented her from leaving during the entire incident. Weinstein is charged with sexual battery by restraint for this incident.
All allegations relating to “nonconsensual sexual activity” has been denied by Weinstein.
Weinstein’s career is over
Since October 2017 when The New Yorker and The New York Times published numerous stories detailing his sordid behavior and sexual harassment accusations, Hollywood’s most powerful gatekeeper and producer has witnessed his career collapse.
More than 80 women have come forth since then with similar stories. This includes female assistants and actresses spanning several decades who worked for or with Weinstein. Since he was a powerful man in the entertainment business he had considerable power over many careers – many of them woman. The news reports which garnered the Pulitzer Prize also showed how Weinstein’s powerful media allies and team of attorneys pressurized the women into remaining silent.
First attacks reported in 2017
The two victims in the LA case reported their incidents to the police in 2017. They were later presented to the DA’s office for criminal charges. The charges were only announced on January 7th, 2020 because of the specifics of the challenging case as stated by Lacey.
Speak to a dependable sexual harassment attorney in California
If you or someone close to you has been a victim of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct of any nature, you should be prepared to raise your voice and pursue a claim against the perpetrator.
This is not something that anyone should condone. We know this part of the law, and if you don’t win then we don’t win. We charge you nothing up front. What is your side of the story?
Experienced sexual harassment attorneys at Makarem & Associates in California can help to protect your rights. Call Makarem & Associates via email at [email protected] or phone at 310.312.0299. Call today!