[ad_1]
A supporting witness testified on Thursday that Harvey Weinstein masturbated on her at his lodge room in 2003.
Former actress Ashley Matthau, a “prior dangerous acts” witness whose claims aren’t among the many 11 counts of sexual assault that Weinstein faces, was visibly rattled whereas taking the stand. Matthau’s hand shook as she was being sworn in and he or she started crying earlier than saying a single phrase. Matthau dabbed her tears with a tissue and took deep, labored breaths whereas she waited for Deputy District Lawyer Marlene Martinez to start her questioning.
When Martinez requested how she was feeling, Matthau mentioned, “I’m actually upset.”
Decide Lisa B. Lench inspired Matthau to take a break and he or she was escorted out of the courtroom.
When she got here again, Matthau testified that Weinstein masturbated and ejaculated on her at his lodge in 2003 in Puerto Rico, the place she was capturing a small function in Miramax’s “Soiled Dancing” sequel, “Havana Nights.”
Matthau didn’t appear appear to need to look immediately at Weinstein when requested to explain the defendant, misidentifying the colour of his swimsuit jacket as blue earlier than correcting herself.
Matthau, who was once a dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, was 22 on the time of the alleged incident. She mentioned Weinstein got here as much as her on set and requested to stroll exterior to speak. After commenting that she was fairly, he mentioned he needed a “bare therapeutic massage” from her, Matthau testified. When she mentioned, “No, I’m engaged,” he requested for her fiancé’s title — actor Charlie Matthau, son of actor Walter Matthau — and claimed to know him.
Matthau mentioned he then instructed that it might be a “bare therapeutic massage” between mates.
“He mentioned he did it with Gwyneth Paltrow, ‘look what I did to her profession,’” Matthau recalled.
Matthau mentioned she later referred to as her mother and fiancé, who suggested her to ask for assist. However neither the choreographer nor producer Matthau confided in provided any help.
When she returned after a meal break, she mentioned Weinstein was ready in entrance of the set along with his assistant, Bonnie Hung.
“At that time, I felt higher understanding that I wasn’t alone,” she mentioned, recalling that Hung instructed her to not fear. “‘I’ll be with you your complete time. He simply desires to speak about future initiatives,’” Matthau remembered her saying.
Based on Matthau, the three entered a limo and drove to Weinstein’s lodge, the place Hung deserted her after they stepped into his room.
Matthau began crying on the stand once more and recalled Weinstein getting aggressive as he “shoved” her on the mattress and took off her garments.
“It’s not like we’re having intercourse, it’s simply bare cuddling,” he instructed her as she grew to become hysterical and began crying, Matthau mentioned.
Matthau mentioned he then straddled her, fondled her breasts and masturbated.
“I had not concept what to do. I used to be scared,” she mentioned.
He ejaculated on her breasts and face, Matthau testified.
“I used to be simply actually grateful that I wasn’t raped. I keep in mind pondering and I keep in mind wiping off, simply getting dressed actually quick and leaving actually quick,” she mentioned.
Matthau will probably be cross-examined by the protection on Friday, and no less than yet another Jane Doe and uncharged sufferer will take the stand subsequent week.
Quite a few different witnesses testified earlier within the day, together with Alfred “Freddy” Baroth, Weinstein’s limousine driver of 18/19 years in Los Angeles; a visitor at Mr. C lodge — the place Jane Doe #1 was allegedly raped — who was woken up in the midst of the night time by an argument in one other room; Mr. C’s present and former normal managers; and Mr. C’s former director of security and safety.
[ad_2]
Source link
