The legal process continues for Harvey Weinstein, as the disgraced Hollywood producer faces sexual assault allegations made by five different women. Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently in the midst of the jury selection process for the case. A hearing took place late last week and led to a number of noteworthy developments. What has apparently caught most people’s attention, however, is the fact that Mel Gibson now finds himself embroiled in Weinstein’s legal drama.
According to Variety , a judge ruled on Friday that Mel Gibson can testify on behalf of Jane Doe 3 in the upcoming Harvey Weinstein rape trial. The unidentified woman claims that the former film mogul sexually assaulted her at her hotel in 2010. The alleged assault occurred after she sent a message to Weinstein. Gibson is apparently a friend of the woman and she detailed the alleged incident to him after it happened.
The attorney for the former head of the Weinstein Company opposed the Braveheart star’s testimony. Attorney Mark Werksman said the Oscar-winning actor had been involved in some way with the former film producer for years. Werksman argues that this stems from a dispute over the Passion of the Christ. The lawyer also said the actor, who has had his share of controversy, is now trying to “rehabilitate” his image after the #MeToo movement.
In addition, Mark Werksman has also requested that the defense be able to question Mel Gibson about the racist and anti-Semitic statements he has made in the past. The judge eventually rejected the request. Jane Doe 3’s attorney questioned why such a thing would be necessary and Werksman said:
This is due to their reluctance to grant the same status to someone who is not of their gender. He has a vision of white supremacy. Someone with white supremacist values may have no problem committing perjury against a Jewish defendant.
If Mel Gibson appears in court, his testimony could have important ramifications for the case. If that confirms the Jane Doe 3 story, it could lead to another setback for Harvey Weinstein. The allegedly ill Weinstein is not only involved in this case, but is also trying to appeal his 2020 sexual assault sentence. As a result of this decision, he was sentenced to 23 years in prison. In the same year, Weinstein’s victims won a major deal and he also suffered another blow when Ashley Judd won a legal battle against him.
Audiences will likely watch closely to see if Mel Gibson (which may or may not be the title of Lethal Weapon 5) speaks out. Meanwhile, Harvey Weinstein’s case will resume next Monday and jury layoffs will be discussed.
Source: Cinemablend
