Harvey Weinstein’s legal action continues, as the disgraced Hollywood producer faces allegations of sexual assault by five different women. Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and is now in the midst of the jury selection process for the case. A hearing was held last weekend, which resulted in a number of notable developments. However, what seems to have caught most people’s attention is the fact that Mel Gibson is now hooked on Weinstein’s legal drama.
according to diverseLast Friday, a judge ruled that Mel Gibson can testify on behalf of Jane Doe 3 during the upcoming rape trial of Harvey Weinstein. The unnamed woman claims that the former film mogul sexually assaulted her at his hotel in 2010. The alleged assault is said to have taken place after she gave Weinstein a message. Apparently, Gibson is a friend of the woman, and she described the alleged incident to him after it happened.
The lawyer for the former Weinstein company president has argued against the testimony of the Braveheart star. The attorney, Mark Werksman, has argued that the Oscar winner has been involved in several genres with the former film producer for years now. Werksmann claims that this stems from the controversy over the Passion of Christ. The lawyer also argued that the actor, who has had his share of controversies, is now trying to “rehabilitate” his image in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
In addition, Mark Werksman also requested that the defense be allowed to question Mel Gibson about racist and anti-Semitic statements he has made in the past. The judge eventually dropped the request. Jane Doe 3’s attorney questioned why such a thing was necessary, and Werksman argued:
It goes to his unwillingness to give equal status to someone who is not like him. He has a view of white supremacy. A person with white supremacist values would have no problem perjury himself against a Jewish accuser.
If Mel Gibson appears in court, his testimony could have major repercussions for the case. If he confirms Jane Doe 3’s story, it could lead to another setback for Harvey Weinstein. It is said that the ailing Weinstein is not only implicated in this case but is also seeking to appeal his sexual assault conviction for 2020. As a result of this ruling, he was sentenced to 23 years in prison. That same year, Weinstein’s victims were granted a major settlement, and he also suffered another blow when Ashley Judd won a legal battle against him.
The public will likely be watching closely to see if Mel Gibson (who may or may not be making the headlines in Lethal Weapon 5) takes a stand. Meanwhile, the Harvey Weinstein case is scheduled to appeal next Monday, and the jury’s refusal will be debated.
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