In retrial openings, prosecutors portray Harvey Weinstein as a powerful mogul who 'preyed' on women

Manhattan prosecutors painted a scathing portrait of Harvey Weinstein at the beginning of his sexual abuse retrial Wednesday.
Manhattan prosecutors painted a scathing portrait of Harvey Weinstein at the beginning of his sexual abuse retrial Wednesday, presenting the former Hollywood mogul as a serial predator who wielded his power like a weapon against women.
Assistant District Attorney Shannon Lucey described Weinstein as an entertainment industry kingmaker who “held unfettered power for over 30 years” and “preyed” on women — including the three accusers whose allegations led to the criminal charges at the center of the trial.
He “wanted their bodies,” Lucey said, referring to the alleged victims Mimi Haley, Kaja Sokola and Jessica Mann.
Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to two counts of criminal sexual act in the first degree and one count of rape in the third degree. He has vehemently denied all allegations of sexual misconduct dating back decades.
Lucey, in her opening statement, described Weinstein’s alleged sexual abuse of the three accusers in stark and oftentimes graphic terms. She recounted allegations that Weinstein violently forced himself on them and ignored their pleas to stop.
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