(Image source from: globalnews.ca)
American film producer and movie mogul Harvey Weinstein pleaded not guilty on to accusation of sexually assaulting a woman back in 2006, the third criminal sexual assault lawsuit brought against him.
His attorney stated that he anticipates further charges to follow.
The 66-year-old co-founder of Miramax film studio was accused by Over 70 women, for the most part, young actresses and else women working in the movie business of sexual misconduct, including series of incidents of rapes dating back decades.
The incriminates gave emerged to the #MeToo movement in which tons of women in public accused powerful men in business, politics, and entertainment of sexual harassment and abuse, lifting a shroud that had long shielded such conduct.
New York State Supreme Court Justice James Burke rejected a petition by prosecutors to bid house arrest for Weinstein, letting him stay free on the $1 million bail that has been in effect following his May not guilty plea on charges that he assaulted two other women, one in 2004 and one in 2013.
Weinstein has repeatedly contradicted having any non-consensual sexual encounters.
Related content: Producer Harvey Weinstein Faces New Sexual Assault Charges
"Any suggestion that Mr. Weinstein raped anyone based on the evidence that I have in my possession already is a ludicrous suggestion," defense attorney Benjamin Brafman told journalists after the hearing.
Brafman added: "We anticipate based on what prosecutors have said that there may be more charges."
Prosecutors claim Weinstein forcibly performed oral intercourse on the woman in 2006. The latest charges include two counts of predatory sexual assault, which carry a maximum life sentence, and one count of the criminal sexual act.
His named company Weinstein Co dismissed him and filed for bankruptcy, After he was publicly involved in sexual misconduct, and was expelled by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
London police and Los Angeles prosecutors have also been reviewing sexual assault accusations against Weinstein.
Earlier charges included two counts of rape and one count of the criminal sexual act. Weinstein was charged after a months-long probe by the New York Police Department.
By Sowmya Sangam
