‘TAKEN ACTING TIPS’
Weinstein accuser Rose McGowan says he’s faking need for walker in bid for ‘sympathy’
HARVEY Weinstein accuser Rose McGowan has accused him of faking his need for a walking frame, saying he "just wants sympathy".
The disgraced movie mogul, 67, has appeared in public using the frame a number of times recently claiming he needs it after undergoing back surgery following a car crash last summer.
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Weinstein's trial over one allegation of rape and another of sexual assault began at a New York court yesterday.
Responding to his frail appearance as he arrived for the trial, McGowan said: "I think he's taken some good acting tips."
Fellow actress and accuser Rosanna Arquette added that he seemed like a "very broken man".
Weinstein, once among the most powerful figures in Hollywood, has been accused of sexual abuse by more than 80 women since allegations against him first emerged in October 2017 and sparked the worldwide #MeToo movement.
His trial will focus on two allegations in particular, one that he raped a woman in a New York hotel in 2013, and another that he forcibly performed oral sex on a different woman in his Manhattan apartment in 2006.
He is charged with predatory sexual assault, a criminal sexual act, first-degree rape, and third-degree rape and faces life in prison if convicted.
He has pleaded not guilty and has repeatedly denied all claims of non-consensual sex.
'YOU BROUGHT THIS ON YOURSELF'
McGowan, who has accused Weinstein of raping her, read a prepared statement addressed to him outside the court.
"Dear Harvey," she said.
"No matter what lies you tell yourself, you did this.
"Today, Lady Justice is staring down a super predator: you.
"You brought this upon yourself by hurting so many.
"I came here today to stand side-by-side with these other women, who you also harmed, and to be a voice for the voiceless, like I was for so long.
She continued: "The trial means so much to so many.
"But it will mean the most to the brave women testifying, and to all of us silence-breakers.
"I thank those testifying for standing not just for themselves, but for all of us who will never have even one day in court.
"Today is a day for us to honour how far we’ve come, and how much we’ve endured to get here."
'THE PAST TWO YEARS HAVE BEEN GRUELLING'
Answering questions to via e-mail ahead of the start of the trial, Weinstein wrote: "The past two years have been gruelling and have presented me with a great opportunity for self-reflection.
"I realize now that I was consumed with my work, my company and my drive for success.
"This caused me to neglect my family, my relationships and to lash out at the people around me.
"I have been in rehab since October 2017, and have been involved in a 12-step program and meditation."
After co-founding film production company Miramax in 1979, Weinstein enjoyed huge success with films including Shakespeare in Love, Pulp Fiction and Good Will Hunting.
After initial allegations published by the New York Times and the New Yorker magazine in October 2017, dozens of actresses and other women came forward to accuse Weinstein of inappropriate behaviour dating back decades.
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Among those to have accused him of sexual harassment and abuse are A-listers including Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kate Beckinsale.
Weinstein's wife of ten years, English fashion designer Georgina Chapman, divorced him after the publication of the allegations.
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