Prosecutors say Harvey Weinstein used his Hollywood status to exploit women, while the defense claims the relationship was consensual.
Harvey Weinstein appeared in a Manhattan courtroom on Tuesday as his third New York rape trial began with sharply opposing arguments from prosecutors and defense lawyers.
The 74-year-old former movie producer has pleaded not guilty to one count of third-degree rape. He has denied assaulting anyone or having non-consensual sex.
During opening statements, prosecutor Candace White told jurors that Weinstein used his power and influence in Hollywood to prey on women hoping to build careers in the film industry.
She alleged that Weinstein raped aspiring actress Jessica Mann in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013. According to the prosecution, Mann resisted and repeatedly said “No” during the encounter.
White told the jury the case was about “power, control and manipulation,” accusing Weinstein of targeting vulnerable young women chasing Hollywood success.
Defense lawyer Jacob Kaplan strongly rejected the claims. He argued that Mann’s relationship with Weinstein was consensual and said she later made the allegation after becoming unhappy that the relationship did not advance her career.
Kaplan told jurors that emails expected to be presented during the trial would show Mann was a “strong and capable” woman. He said the case would ultimately depend on conflicting accounts.
Weinstein was once one of the most influential figures in Hollywood before multiple sexual misconduct allegations led to his downfall and helped ignite the global #MeToo movement.
The trial is expected to draw global attention as jurors weigh testimony, evidence and credibility in one of the most high-profile abuse cases in recent history.