Disgraced Hollywood movie producer Harvey Weinstein surrendered to New York City police on Friday to face sexual assault charges following accusations by two women. The New York City Police Department issued a statement saying he was "charged with rape, criminal sex act, sex abuse and sexual misconduct"
The NYPD thanks these brave survivors for their courage to come forward and seek justice. The arrest and ensuing charges are the result of a joint investigation between the NYPD and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Weinstein has denied all charges of non-consensual sex, and this is the first time he's being charged for misconduct. The charges stem from three incidents with two women, Lucia Evans and former Boardwalk Empire actress Paz de la Huerta. Huerta claims that Weinstein raped her twice in 2010 and Evans said that Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex on him in 2004.
Weinstein posted a predetermined bail of $1 million and turned his passport over to authorities because he is considered a flight risk. He will also be required to wear an ankle monitoring device.
The multiple allegations that have been made against Weinstein triggered the #MeToo movement, which encouraged women to speak out against widespread sexual harassment in the film industry and other businesses.
Since the first allegations against Weinstein surfaced in October, a barrage of sexual abuse claims have been lodged against high-profile men in the entertainment industry and throughout the business world. The #MeToo movement also inspired the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund, which funds legal assistance for people who've been sexually harassed at work.
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