The prosecution described Harvey Weinstein as a "sexual predator and rapist" with a "complete lack of empathy" as opening arguments in his rape trial officially began.
Assistant district attorney Meghan Hast told jurors Wednesday that Weinstein is "not a harmless old man" but rather a "sexual predator and rapist" who "kept his rape victims close, close as he could, to make sure they couldn't report it," per The Hollywood Reporter.
Hast also said the trial is ultimately "about the defendant's desire to conquest," adding, "it's for his complete lack of empathy that he must be held accountable."
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Weinstein, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by more than 80 women, is facing sexual assault and rape charges. He has pleaded not guilty. At the center of the New York trial is Mimi Haleyi's allegation that Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on her in 2006 and Jessica Mann's allegation that Weinstein raped her in 2013.
The defense on Tuesday previewed that it would seek to discredit Weinstein's accusers by referencing "loving" email exchanges. Attorney Damon Cheronis told jurors on Wednesday it's "not true" that Mann "wanted to break free from" Weinstein, citing emails including one in which Mann writes to Weinstein, "It would be great to see you again and catch up," per USA Today.
But Hast told jurors that Mann "tried to have some sort of relationship with the defendant" after he allegedly raped her, as she "felt trapped," but Weinstein "became more demanding and violent, more violent and disgusting." USA Today reports the prosecution "is expected to introduce expert witnesses who will testify that this is not uncommon behavior by accusers after a sexual assault."
If convicted, Weinstein is facing possible life in prison. His trial is expected to last about two months.
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