An unnamed Italian model and actress
is the first of the five 'Jane Does' newly accusing disgraced
Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein of rape in his second trial
over #MeToo charges in the United States.
Weinstein, 70 and in ill health, risks 140 years in jail in the
Los Angeles trial which follows his 23-year conviction in New
York two years ago.
The Shakespeare In Love and The Artist producer, who held sway
in Hollywood until #MeToo engulfed him five years ago, allegedly
raped the woman in a Beverly Hills hotel in February 2013.
Pascal Videdomini, founder and organizer of the Los
Angeles-Italia festival, told police he had introduced her to
the king of Hollywood a couple of years before.
Weinstein "grabbed her by the hair and forced her to do things
against her will," according to an evidence statement.
A conviction would mean Weinstein probably dying in jail, while
an acquittal would be a major setback for the #MeToo movement,
which is already running out of steam amid accusations it has
gone too far.
Dozens of woman including stars like Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth
Paltrow and Salma Hayek came forward to testify against
Weinstein in 2017.
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