100 CENTRE STREET, April
22-- Harvey Weinstein was in
his wheelchair, this time with Marc Agnifilo, Teny Geragos
and Jacob Kaplan as his lawyers, as opening arguments
began before NYS Justice Curtis Farber on April 21. Inner
City Press was there and live tweeted. So too on April 22:
Prosecutor citing 2017
MeToo articles about Weinstein.
Judge Farber: I'm going
to tell the jury they can't consider it.
ADA: Everyone knew this
was coming... Now the jurors will wonder why. Judge: They
don't have a right to know. Anyway, Ms. Mann can testify
to this
ADA: She's not on until
next week Discover more book Content creation tools
Thread sharing tool Judge Farber: So you'll have
read-back? ADA: Yes. Judge: Bring in the jury. I'm going
to tell them to disregard. Jury entering! [Unlike with
other judges in 100 Centre, and nearly all in SDNY,
gallery does not have to stand as jurors come in]
Judge: You are to
disregard the articles. Bring in the witness... Mr.
Agnifilo? Marc Agnifilo: You said Mr. Weinstein was a big
supporter of Hillary Clinton's campaign- Judge: Senatorial
campaign. Agnifilo: Yes. But also for President, against
Donald Trump? Yes.
Agnifilo: And he was
close with the Obamas? Witness: One of their daughters
interned at the Weinstein companies. Agnifilo: And he
contributed to the Robin Hood foundation, on the board?
Witness: He was on the board.
Agnifilo: Did you work
on the 9/11 concert? Yes Agnifilo: In Madison Square
Garden? Witness (Weinstein's former assistant): Yes.
Agnifilo: And you worked for him for 21 years? Yes.
Agnifilo: This email
shows he tried to get Jessica Mann an audition for Narcos
and Macro Polo? Witness: That's what it says
Agnifilo: Did Harvey through AmFAR fundraisers? Witness:
Yes, during the Cannes Film Festival. Agnifilo: No further
questions.
ADA: Sidebar? Judge:
Sure. Off the record or on the record? ADA: On the record.
[Loud, audible whispering. Jurors sit watching]
[Weinstein, too,
is watching, from wheelchair at defense table, in blue
blazer. Courtroom gallery less than half full Jury
is told to leave for the day. ADA: The unavailable
witness, she went to Ireland. Agnifilo: I think the
witness is lying. It's great. We want to pursue it. ADA:
They reiterate that she had blocked it out because of
trauma. We discussed it with the defense Adjourned
