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Weinstein, 70, is facing 11 charges of rape and sexual assault
involving five women in the Beverly Hills and Los Angeles area
between 2004 and 2013. Opening arguments are expected to start
on Monday. Weinstein has pleaded not guilty.
One of Weinstein's accusers is Jennifer Siebel Newsom, a
documentary filmmaker, actor and wife of California Gov. Gavin
Newsom. Siebel Newsom will testify that Weinstein sexually
assaulted her during what she thought was going to be a business
meeting, according to her attorney, Elizabeth Fegan.
The identities of the other accusers are being kept secret in
court documents, which refer to them as Jane Does 1 through 5.
Weinstein has said all of his sexual encounters with women were
consensual.
One potential witness against Weinstein is actor Mel Gibson, who
prosecutors said was a friend of one of the accusers. Los
Angeles Superior Court Judge Lisa Lench ruled last week that
Gibson could testify about what the friend told him about
Weinstein, though the judge said she could change her mind
depending on the friend's testimony.
Weinstein, the Oscar-winning producer of "Shakespeare in Love"
and "The King's Speech," was convicted of sexual misconduct in
New York in February 2020. Allegations against him helped fuel
the #MeToo movement of women speaking out about harassment and
abuse by men in Hollywood and beyond.
Weinstein was extradicted from New York to a Los Angeles prison
in July 2021. Now in declining health, he has been seated in a
wheelchair during jury selection in Los Angeles Superior Court.
In New York, Weinstein is appealing his conviction and 23-year
prison sentence. He could face up to 140 years in prison if
convicted on all 11 of the charges in Los Angeles.
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Josie Kao)
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