In addition to the sexual assault charges pending against Harvey Weinstein in New York, the former film producer is also facing allegations in at least eight cases in Los Angeles.

Sexual Assault Accusations Continue to Surface

According to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, eight cases accusing Weinstein of sex crimes are currently pending in the city. The office has been reviewing allegations against Weinstein for nearly two years and has received four cases each from the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills police departments.

A task force of specially trained deputy district attorneys has reportedly been assigned to review these cases and decide whether to bring charges against Weinstein, who is already scheduled to go on trial in New York for similar charges. It is currently unclear whether the Los Angeles task force will pursue charges, as the task force has previously declined to bring charges against other Hollywood celebrities, including Sylvester Stallone, Kevin Spacey, and Steven Seagal.

While many of these cases were dropped due to a lack of evidence, others were abandoned due to the length of time that had passed since the alleged incidents. However, new sexual assault laws in many states have expanded the statutes of limitations for sex crimes to allow victims to come forward years after being abused.

The allegations against Weinstein span several decades and include claims of harassment, sexual assault, and rape. Many of the claims have been made by actresses or others associated with the film industry. According to one Los Angeles-based accuser, Weinstein raped the woman in the bathroom of her hotel room in February 2013.

She spoke to the Los Angeles Times about her allegations, stating, “I barely knew this man. It was the most demeaning thing ever done to me by far. It sickens me still. … He made me feel like an object, like nothing with all his power.”

Other actresses, including Ashley Judd, claim that Weinstein used his power to harass them and harm their careers after the women rejected his sexual advances. Weinstein has denied all of the accusations against him. His New York trial is set to start on Jan. 6.

Changes to Statutes of Limitations Benefit Victims

In 2019, 24 states and the District of Columbia passed statute of limitations reform laws in order to allow victims of past sexual abuse to pursue justice. Under these new laws, many statutes of limitations have been expanded to allow victims to file lawsuits for years or decades after the sexual assault occurred. Additionally, many of these reform laws also instituted look-back windows. Look-back windows are one or two year periods, during which victims whose cases have expired under the previous statutes of limitations may be able to file lawsuits against their abusers.

Victims of sexual assault may be eligible to hire a qualified attorney and file a lawsuit against their abuser. Victims who pursue litigation may be able to collect compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other damages.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.