Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein has pleaded not guilty in a third sexual assault case. Weinstein, who appeared in court in New York on Monday, had already pleaded not guilty to all charges in the first two cases, back in June. The 66-year-old, who has been on US$1million bail since his arrest in May, has denied having non-consensual sex, his lawyers have previously said. He has been accused of sexual misconduct by more than 70 women. Those accusations gave rise to the #MeToo movement, which has seen hundreds of women accusing high-profile men in business, government and entertainment of sexual abuse and harassment. The new charges against Weinstein, which date back to 2006, are punishable by a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, while he faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of either of the offences relating to the first two women. Speaking outside the courthouse, lawyer Benjamin Brafman said his client — who was described as looking “pasty and pale” by reporters — was innocent*. “Today was a formality,” he said. “Weinstein is not a predator*; he is not a rapist and I believe that when this case is over we will ultimately see him be exonerated*.” He faces additional investigations in Los Angeles, London, and by the U.S. federal government. (SD-Agencies) |