(PHOTO CREDIT: JUSTIN LANE/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK)

Weinstein’s case pushed back from September to January

Harvey Weinstein, the Hollywood mogul accused of sexually assaulting countless women during his career, is pleading not guilty to all charges. He was indicted again last week on new sexual assault charges, after “Sopranos” actress Annabella Sciorra came forward to accuse Weinstein of raping her in 1983. Other actresses, including Rose McGowan, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Angelina Jolie, have accused Weinstein of similar misconduct. Many women say Weinstein lured them to hotel rooms under the guise of discussing a movie role, then assaulted them.

Weinstein’s attorneys said the indictment was an “eleventh-hour maneuver” that hinders Weinstein’s right to a speedy trial. His trial was supposed to begin in September, but will likely be pushed back to January.

Weinstein’s lawyers have also requested to have the trial moved to a location outside of New York City, where there will be less opportunity for a media frenzy. Weinstein has maintained his innocence and says all his sexual encounters with the accusers were consensual.

Weinstein was the first high-profile man to be accused by a string of women of sexual assault in 2017, which led to the influential #MeToo campaign against sexual harassment and rape. Other famous men, including Les Moonves and Matt Lauer, were also exposed for workplace harassment and assaults against women.