Harvey Weinstein Finally Surrenders Himself to Authorities Over Sexual Abuse Allegations
More than 50 women, including stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Ashley Judd and Angelina Jolie, accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct
After months of accusations being heaped over him, former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has surrendered himself to the authorities. He is facing charges of sexual assault and harassment from multiple victims. Deemed as one of the biggest heavyweights in the movie industry, Weinstein has fallen to disgrace after several actresses accused him of using his clout to misbehave with them in the past few months.
As per a report in The Hollywood Reporter, the arrest happened when he surrendered himself to the authorities at the first precinct in Manhattan on Friday. He will be later charged and prosecuted accordingly. He was seen wearing a white shirt and blue sweater, and had a book with him, when he surrendered himself. The producer is expected to be charged for assaulting actress Lucia Evans at his office in Miramax Studios in 2004. Later, a judge will hear on his bail plea, where it would also be decided to surrender his passport.
As per an earlier report in PTI that quotes The New York Times, an investigative grand jury will look into other sexual assault allegations against Weinstein as well as possible financial crimes relating to how he paid women to stay silent. The report states, "Weinstein had until recently seemed untouchable, harnessing his wealth and his influence in the movie industry to intimidate women out of speaking publicly and, only three years ago, withstand an investigation into groping allegations."
"Among other things, the grand jury is delving into whether Weinstein used employees of his former production company to identify women for him to assault, to set up meetings with the women or to discredit them if they complained," it said.
More than 50 women, including stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Ashley Judd and Angelina Jolie, accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct, which the former has denied.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 25, 2018 05:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).