Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer clashed with rape accuser Jane Doe 1 in a fiery cross-examination session Wednesday, inferring that the Italian model and actress lied to police about the disgraced producer’s testicles, changed her testimony before a grand jury and was having a “relationship”With the LA Italia Film Festival head where the alleged assault occurred.
Jane Doe 1 had already endured two days of graphic testimony, occasionally breaking down on the stand while telling how Weinstein – whom she knew only casually and “barely” spoke with that night – tracked down her hotel room, talked his way in and brazenly raped her despite her crying and vigorous protests.
Alan Jackson, attorney for Weinstein’s defense in the Los Angeles trial, spent much of Wednesday morning grilling Jane Doe 1 about Weinstein’s testicles – which by the time of the 2013 incident had been surgically relocated to the inner thighs. Jackson was particularly focused on the discrepancies in her statements to police following the alleged rape at Mr. C Hotel in Beverly Hills during LA Italia Fest and what she said before a grand jury.
Jackson claims she told police “that (Weinstein) specifically asked you to play with his balls?”
“It wasn’t just [the only] request … I was trying to do what he wanted,”She replied.
Jackson pressed her on that detail – saying she had told police that she put his testicles in her mouth, but not the grand jury.
“I cannot agree with that,”Jane Doe responded.
“You changed your testimony, didn’t you?”Jackson barks.
“Never!”Jane Doe responded.
“You completely ommitted any reference to his testicles being in your mouth,”Jackson snapped back.
“In the grand jury they don’t let you talk, only answer question,”She was married.
Weinstein is facing 11 sexual assault charges stemming from allegations dating back to 2004 and 2013. The trial is expected to last into December after a two-week jury selection process seated a panel last Thursday of nine men and three women. Weinstein could spend up to 140 Years in prison if convicted.
He is already serving 23 years in a New York prison for criminal first-degree sexual assault and third-degree rape, a conviction he has been granted the right to appeal. Weinstein has maintained his innocence ever since the New York Times published allegations against him five years ago.
More to come …