May 25 (UPI) — Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein was charged in New York City on Friday with felony rape and criminal sex act in cases involving two separate women.
Weinstein, 66, surrendered Friday morning in Lower Manhattan and is set to appear later in court.
Weinstein was charged with assaulting Lucia Evans, who told investigators he forced her to perform oral sex on him in 2004. The New York Police Department is also looking into an accusation by another woman who said he assaulted her in her New York City apartment eight years ago.
Weinstein faces charges of first- and third-degree rape, along with first-degree criminal sexual act; all three are class B felonies. First-degree rape carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. He intends to enter a not guilty plea.
The film mogul posted $10 million bond and was released from custody pending his next court appearance. He must wear an ankle bracelet.
In the face of more than 80 allegations since last fall, Weinstein has denied having nonconsensual sex with any of the women.
“Mr. Weinstein has always maintained that he has never engaged in nonconsensual sexual behavior with anyone. Nothing about today’s proceedings changes Mr. Weinstein’s position,” Weinstein’s Attorney Benjamin Brafman said outside of the courthouse.
“We have several complaints and it’s actively being investigated,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Dermot Shea said. “We are working closely with [New York County District Attorney] Cy Vance and the Manhattan District Attorney’s office on allegations.”
The former film producer wore a dark suit and was surrounded by attorneys when he arrived at the police station, before a crowd of onlookers.
Friday marks the first criminal charges against Weinstein in the scandal, which involves a number of accusers. The case triggered the #MeToo social media movement and a flood of accusations against additional high-profile figures in entertainment and other industries.
Rose McGowan, one of Weinstein’s most outspoken accusers, told The Hollywood Reporter Friday’s arrest brings other victims “one step closer to justice.”
“I, and so many of Harvey Weinstein’s survivors had given up hope that our rapist would be held accountable by law. Twenty years ago, I swore that I would right this wrong,” McGowan said.
“We were young women who were assaulted by Weinstein and later terrorized by his vast network of complicity. I stand with my fellow survivors. May this give hope to all victims and survivors everywhere that are telling their truths.”
Tarana Burke, the founder of the #MeToo movement, told Variety Weinstein’s arrest is therapeutic for the accusers.
“This moves from the court of public opinion into an actual courtroom,” Burke said. “That is super cathartic for a bunch of the survivors, or even survivors who are not necessarily victimized by him.
“To see it actually happen, I think is a big deal. We might be looking at a shift in the way cases of sexual violence are actually dealt with.”
Actress Ashley Judd filed a lawsuit against Weinstein this month for sexual harassment, defamation and violating California’s unfair business competition law — saying he tried to ruin her career because she refused sexual advances.
The Weinstein Company, which Weinstein co-founded, declared bankruptcy earlier this year after failing to negotiate a sale.
