After 12 days of witness testimony in the rape and sexual assault trial against the disgraced producer, prosecutors wrap up arguments by urging the jury to convict him.
- Feb 7, 2020
AceShowbiz - Harvey Weinstein's attorneys have been denied a new motion for dismissal after New York prosecutors rested their case in his rape and sexual assault trial.
Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi-Orbon wrapped up arguments by urging the jury to convict the producer on Thursday, February 06, following 12 days of witness testimony, during which prosecutors attempted to portray Weinstein as a serial sexual predator.
Among those called to the stand were "The Sopranos" star Annabella Sciorra, who claimed Weinstein raped her after forcing his way into her apartment in the mid-1990s, and her friend, actress Rosie Perez, who recounted the conversations the two had had following the reported attack.
Aspiring actress Jessica Mann and former production assistant Mimi Haleyi, whose accusations against the shamed movie mogul led to the criminal charges he currently faces, also gave emotional testimonies as they relived the alleged assaults which they claim took place in New York in 2013 and 2006, respectively.
Immediately after the prosecution rested, defence attorney Donna Rotunno called for the whole case to be dismissed, insisting the testimony from Mann, who maintains Weinstein raped her, "does not in any way show a forcible act" by her client.
The request was rejected by the judge.
Weinstein's attorneys are expected to quiz their witnesses over two days, with director Warren Leight due to testify about working with Sciorra on 1993 movie "The Night We Never Met".
It's not yet known if the 67-year-old himself will also take the stand.
He has pleaded not guilty to five felony counts, insisting all sexual encounters were consensual.
Weinstein faces life behind bars if convicted.
