Movie mogul Harvey Weinstein surrendered at a Manhattan police station on Friday, May 25, 2018, ahead of arraignment on sex charges — opening a new chapter in the downfall of a man whose behavior sparked the #MeToo movement.
Reporters and cameras flanked Weinstein as he got out of a black SUV just before 7:30 a.m. and walked into the precinct to be fingerprinted and photographed.
He wore a blue sweater, dark blazer, and a weak smile as he took his first steps toward the NYPD’s 1st Precinct stationhouse, but looked somber as he strode through the door, surrounded by detectives and ignoring shouted questions.
He was carrying several books, including “Elia Kazan: A Biography” and “Something Wonderful: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Broadway Revolution.”
When his booking is done, Weinstein will be taken to Manhattan Criminal Court for the formal presentation of charges. It’s expected he will be released on $1 million bail and required to wear an ankle monitor.
Authorities have not officially released details of the charges, but three sources told NBC News that they stem from allegations made by two women. Weinstein has apologized for his behavior but denied accusations of “non-consensual sex.”
Other accusers took to social media to celebrate the development.
“Today, Harvey Weinstein will take his first step on his inevitable descent to hell,” actress Asia Argento said. “We, the women, finally have real hope for justice.”
Actress Rose McGowan, who says Weinstein raped her, said in a statement that she had “given up hope” he would be held accountable by law.
“Twenty years ago, I swore that I would right this wrong. Today we are one step closer to justice,” she said. “May this give hope to all victims and survivors everywhere that are telling their truths.”
The New York case brought by the Manhattan district attorney isn’t Weinstein’s only legal trouble. In February, the LAPD forwarded three accusations to prosecutors to review and decide whether to bring charges.
Before he resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations of his own, former New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman filed suit against Weinstein, and the producer faces lawsuits from accusers.
Dozens of women have accused Weinstein of a wide range of misconduct, ranging from harassment to rape, over decades. The accusers run the gamut from office workers to some of the biggest names in show business, including Uma Thurman, Salma Hayek, Lupita Nyong’o, Angelina Jolie, Ashley Judd, Rosanna Arquette.
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