NEW YORK, Oct 6, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – One year after the explosive claims of
sexual misconduct against Harvey Weinstein first came to light, he may
finally have some good news, with some of the charges against him reportedly
being questioned.
The next hearing in a New York court in his sex crimes case has been moved
up from November 8 to October 11 — a possible sign that prosecutors are
having difficulties making their case, local media reported Friday.
The 66-year-old disgraced Hollywood producer is out on bail and has pleaded
not guilty to six counts allegedly committed against three women in 2004,
2006 and 2013.
The charges include rape in the first and third degree, and a criminal sex
act. He could face life to prison if convicted.
The New York Post and celebrity news outlet TMZ, citing police sources,
reported that a detective is under investigation for possibly failing to
disclose information that discredited one of Weinstein’s alleged victims,
aspiring actress Lucia Evans.
Evans has accused Weinstein of forcing her to perform oral sex in 2004.
But a witness — a casting director, according to TMZ — apparently told
the police investigator that Evans said she had willingly engaged in oral sex
to secure an acting role.
The New York Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for
comment.
A spokeswoman for Weinstein’s attorney Ben Brafman confirmed the hearing
date change, but declined to provide further information. The Manhattan
district attorney’s office did not immediately comment.
If the reports are accurate, the charges against Weinstein relating to his
interactions with Evans could be thrown out, according to the New York Daily
News.
Weinstein, 66, has steadfastly insisted that he never engaged in non-
consensual sex.
Brafman had already asked in August that the entire case against Weinstein
be thrown out, disclosing dozens of intimate emails between his client and
his alleged rape victim, in which she said “I love you.”
Weinstein has been accused of misconduct by dozens of women, allegations
that torpedoed his career and galvanized the #MeToo movement.