Monday marked the start of Weinstein’s Los Angeles trial, where he is facing 11 charges.
He then recounted the circumstances surrounding several of Weinstein’s alleged assaults. Thompson said Weinstein rapedas one of the four Jane Doe accusers—at a hotel suite during the 2005 Toronto International Film Festival. He described Siebel Newsom as a “powerless actor trying to make her way in Hollywood” who sought career advice from Weinstein. Once they were alone in the room, the producer allegedly pushed her onto the bed.
Thompson devoted most of his opening statement to the accounts of Weinstein’s accusers. During one assault, he allegedly pulled an actor into the bathroom of her hotel and raped her over a sink as she “tried to show him pictures of her kids.” Another involved Weinstein allegedly groping and masturbating in front of an aspiring screenwriter and massage therapist, an incident that the Jane Doe reportedly disclosed toThe Hollywood Reporter.
Testimonies concluded early when Jane Doe No. 1 began crying and grew unresponsive during her questions. She is expected to resume on Tuesday.