Harvey Weinstein: Trial started in New York, new charges in Los Angeles

The trial against former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein began in New York. At the start of the trial at the New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan, judge James Burke initially only wanted to complete formalities.

The selection of the jury will begin on Tuesday - this work should take around two weeks. According to a court spokesman, Weinstein always wants to be present.

At the start of the process, the 67-year-old appeared to be suffering from health problems. He held onto a walking aid and was supported by his lawyers. Critics on social media therefore accused Weinstein of wanting to arouse pity and portray himself as a broken old man.

More than 80 women accuse Weinstein of attacks

Attorney Gloria Allred, who represents some of the women suspected of being affected, said the process is being closely monitored "to see if a rich, powerful, famous man accused of sexually abusing so many women is really accountable in court must take off. "

More than 80 women, including stars such as Angelina Jolie, Ashley Judd, Uma Thurman and Salma Hayek, have been accused of sexual assault in recent years.

In the trial in New York, which could take up to two months, only the allegations of two women are negotiated - one of them is said to have forced Weinstein to have oral sex in 2006, the other he is said to have raped in 2013. Weinstein faces life imprisonment if convicted.

The decisive factor will be whether the case that led to the # MeToo debate in 2017 also exists before a criminal court. The exit is completely open. Prosecutors have to prove legally that Weinstein was guilty of rape, criminal sexual acts and predatory sexual assault. The 67-year-old has repeatedly stressed that all actions were consensual. (Read an analysis of the process here.)

Another indictment in Los Angeles

Regardless of the outcome of the New York trial, Weinstein will soon have to answer for legal questions on the US west coast. The Los Angeles prosecutor said that two cases of rape and sexual assault were brought.

The allegations come from two women not named. According to prosecutors, they were victims of Weinstein's assault in Beverly Hills hotels in 2013. If convicted, the 67-year-old faces up to 28 years in prison.

The model Kaja Sokola filed a lawsuit against Weinstein in December. Sokola accuses Weinstein of abusing her as a minor. She had declined a multi-million dollar deal.