Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein will face a criminal case in Los Angeles for two incidents that allegedly occurred in 2013 over a two-day period. The charges against the disgraced film titan include forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, sexual penetration by use of force, and sexual battery by restraint.
If found guilty the 67-year-old Weinstein, who was already convicted of rape at a trial in New York on 24 February, may face up to 28 years in jail.
According to court documents in one incident, Weinstein allegedly attacked and raped a woman, who has not been publicly identified, but has been described by her attorney as an Italian actress. The second incident involves 30-year-old model Lauren Young, who said the film producer started groping her and masturbating after Young came into his hotel room.
As with previous accusations Weinstein and his legal team have categorically denied allegations of criminal offences. It is unclear how the criminal case will unfold. Media reports say he could immediately be brought to court following his 11 March sentencing in New York or he could strike a plea deal in LA.
Allegations of sexual assault against Weinstein first emerged after The New York Times and The New Yorker published articles, in which numerous actresses accused the Hollywood mogul of sexual harassment dating back decades.
Weinstein issued an apology acknowledging that his behaviour caused "a lot of pain", but he denied any wrongdoing. The subsequent criminal case against Weinstein spawned the #MeToo movement against physical and sexual violence.
