Things are really heating up for Harvey Weinstein.
In the wake of a week of progressively worse stories from women coming forward alleging harassment to rape, now comes the news that the FBI is looking into the case.
From Daily Mail:
DailyMail.com understands the move came at the behest of the Department of Justice, run by Donald Trump’s Attorney General Jeff Sessions, which instructed the bureau to investigate the mounting allegations leveled at the movie mogul.
While it is unknown whether the DOJ order came directly from Sessions, the move is likely to be seen in a political light given Weinstein’s friendship with Trump foe Hillary Clinton.
One of the reasons they were moving so quickly was because of the report that Weinstein would be leaving in Europe for sex addiction rehab.
They wanted to avoid a ‘Polanski’ situation.
But it turns out he changed his mind, and that rather than go to Europe, he went to an Arizona rehab, according to new reports.
This, of course, would leave him more exposed to the authorities.
The FBI is involved because there are cases that may involve interstate and international action. Weinstein is believed to have harassed women overseas as well. So there are countries in Europe he might not want to flee to, because they might be interested in arresting him.
One allegation the FBI is thought to be looking at is a student, Lucia Evans, who says that Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex, in New York in 2004. Although that’s 13 years ago, there is no statute of limitations on sexual assault in New York.
Even the NYPD is now investigating.
Indeed, on Wednesday evening the NYPD confirmed that they had opened an investigation.
The Special Victims Division has been ordered to ‘endeavor to identify and locate and interview any potential victims’ of the Oscar winning producer.
‘He’s a super predator. His conduct shows he’s been at this a long time, and he’s a professional at it,’ another police official said to the New York Post.
Hollywood powerhouse Weinstein has traveled the globe promoting his movies and the belief is that he could have committed sex crimes in several countries.
So far five accusers have given accounts of attacks in France, while allegations of attacks in London have also surfaced – any of which could lead to charges there.
The FBI has field offices in both countries and could assist prosecutors there with their cases.
At least 30 women have now made allegations against Weinstein. At least 3 of those allege rape.
He’s secured top criminal representation, criminal defense lawyers Blair Berk and David Chesnoff.
Hillary finally came out with a statement condemning harassment. She said she would be giving away his donations to her. But then she said that she always gives away 10% to charity and this would be ‘part of that’ which made it seem as though she wasn’t giving away anything more than normal. She also said she would ‘probably’ call him a friend, seeking to put a little distance between them.
