Hollywood mega-producer Harvey Weinstein has been charged in New York with rape and several counts of sexual abuse stemming from two separate accusers.
Weinstein turned himself into police in New York City on May 25 following dozens of allegations made against him of rape and sexual abuse.
“The charges filed Friday stem from incidents with two separate women in 2013 and 2004, the Manhattan district attorney said in a statement, and were the result of a joint investigation between police and the Manhattan DA’s office,” reported CNN.
The identity of one of the women whose accusations prompted the charges was confirmed by her lawyer on Friday. Lucia Evans, a former actress, had already publicly accused Mr Weinstein of forcing her into oral sex in 2004.
Many other actresses, models and employees have spoken out against Weinstein, including Lupita Nyong’o, Asia Argento, Rose McGowan, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and many others. These revelations prompted other women to speak out and gave rise to the #MeToo movement.
Harvey Weinstein has denied committing any non-consensual sex acts and his lawyer said he would plead not guilty. He was released on a $1m bail bond and ordered to wear an electronic tag.