Harvey Weinstein Indicted on Multiple Rape Charges

Harvey Weinstein has been indicted by a grand jury in New York on multiple rape charges. TMZ reports that the former Hollywood mogul was indicted in Manhattan on charges of rape in the first and third degress, as well as committing a criminal sexual act in the first degree.

Manhattan DA Cyrus R. Vance Jr. said in his announcement of the indictment that it brings Weinstein “another step closer to accountability for the crimes of violence with which he is now charged. Our office will try this case not in the press, but in the courtroom where it belongs. The defendant’s recent assault on the integrity of the survivors and the legal process is predictable. We are confident that when the jury hears the evidence, it will reject these attacks out of hand.”

Weinstein did not testify on his own behalf during the grand jury. His lawyer claims that prosecutors have “unfairly denied access to critical information about this case” and alleges that Weinstein maintained a ten-year consensual relationship with one of his two accusers. He said in a statement, “We remind everyone that an Indictment is merely a formal accusation. Mr Weinstein intends to enter a plea of Not Guilty and vigorously defend against these unsupported allegations that he strongly denies. We will soon formally move to dismiss the indictment and if this case actually proceeds to trial, we expect Mr Weinstein to be acquitted.”

Weinstein faces up to twenty-five years in prison on the charges. The indictment (which includes graphic depictions of sex acts) is here via Deadline.