Harvey Weinstein Pleads Not Guilty to Rape Charges

Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein appeared in court today and plead not guilty to charges of rape and criminal sexual act.

Weinstein has been the subject of ongoing allegations since last year. Accusations against the producer marked the beginning of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements. which have allowed hundreds of women to publicly out men in powerful positions for their sexual harassment and abuse.

Last week Weinstein was indicted by a grand jury on charges involving two women out of the dozens that have come forward about his misconduct. He denies all allegations.

His defense attorney, Benjamin Brafman, told reporters that “[Mr. Weinstein] has never engaged in non-consensual sex with anyone. As terrible a crime as rape is, it is equally reprehensible to be falsely accused of rape. In his view, he has been falsely accused of rape.”

If convicted Weinstein could face between five and 25 years in prison.

He remains free on $1 million cash bail, and is set to return to court in September.