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Tag: MeToo

  • Brooke Shields reveals she was raped as a younger Hollywood actress in new documentary

    By AFP

    PARK CITY: Brooke Shields revealed she was raped as a younger Hollywood actress in new documentary “Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields,” which premiered on day two of the Sundance movie competition Friday.

    The former supermodel didn’t reveal the identification of her attacker however mentioned she met with the person — somebody she already knew — quickly after she graduated faculty, believing it was a piece assembly to debate casting her in a brand new film.

    He took her again to his lodge, claiming he would name her a taxi from his room. He as a substitute disappeared to the lavatory earlier than returning bare and assaulting her, she mentioned.

    “I didn’t fight that much… I just absolutely froze. I thought that my one ‘no’ should have been enough. And I just thought ‘stay alive and get out,” Shields recalled within the documentary.

    After the incident, Shields recalled phoning her buddy and safety head Gavin de Becker, who advised her: “That’s rape.”

     Brooke Shields seems in a scene from the documentary “Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields” by Lana Wilson | AP

    She replied “I’m not willing to believe that,” and has not spoken of the incident publicly till now.

    The revelation — which echoes #MeToo revelations by outstanding and lesser-known Hollywood actresses lately — is considered one of a number of stunning moments within the movie, which shall be launched on the Hulu streaming platform in two elements.

    Part one examines the extreme sexualization Shields skilled as a younger woman, together with a provocative nude photoshoot at age 10, and her look as a toddler prostitute within the movie “Pretty Baby” at age 11.

    The documentary exhibits a younger Shields being requested lascivious questions by a lot older male chat present hosts about her roles in motion pictures corresponding to “The Blue Lagoon” and “Endless Love,” and the sequence of controversial Calvin Klein denims commercials she starred in.

    After experiencing international fame as an adolescent, Shields attended college at Princeton, and initially struggled to search out appearing roles once more after she graduated — resulting in the assembly together with her alleged rapist.

    Perseverance

    “My personal message is perseverance, and not allowing yourself to become a victim to a society or an industry,” she mentioned forward of the movie’s premiere on the competition in Utah.

    “I’m proud of how I kept learning, kept growing, kept striving and kept loving what I do,” Shields mentioned.

    The film, which earned Shields a standing ovation at Sundance, additionally chronicles the media’s later obsession together with her virginity, her mom’s alcoholism, and her first marriage to tennis star Andre Agassi.

    Brooke Shields, proper poses with director Lana Wilson on the premiere of the movie on the 2023 Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 20, 2023, in Park City | AP

    It options a number of of Shields’ well-known mates together with Lionel Richie, Laura Linney and Drew Barrymore.

    Co-founded by Robert Redford, Sundance is a key launching pad for impartial motion pictures and documentaries.

    Also on Thursday was the premiere of “Justice,” a shock late addition to the competition line-up, which explores the sexual misconduct allegations towards Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

    The first documentary “The Bourne Identity” director Doug Liman, it options testimony from Deborah Ramirez, considered one of Kavanaugh’s accusers and a former Yale classmate.

    WATCH | Brooke Shields breaks down as daughter Rowan leaves for faculty, shares emotional video

    It additionally contains audio of one other classmate, who mentioned he noticed Kavanaugh expose himself to a special, “extremely drunk” girl pupil at one other get together, however whose account was solely reported in US media months after Kavanaugh’s polarizing 2018 Senate affirmation listening to.

    The girl, who will not be named, has mentioned she doesn’t keep in mind the incident.

    “This was the kind of movie where people are terrified” to talk out, Liman mentioned.

    Kavanaugh has categorically denied participating in sexual misconduct.

    The 2023 Sundance Film Festival is the primary to be held in particular person for 3 years, as current editions have been compelled on-line by Covid. It runs till January 29.

    PARK CITY: Brooke Shields revealed she was raped as a younger Hollywood actress in new documentary “Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields,” which premiered on day two of the Sundance movie competition Friday.

    The former supermodel didn’t reveal the identification of her attacker however mentioned she met with the person — somebody she already knew — quickly after she graduated faculty, believing it was a piece assembly to debate casting her in a brand new film.

    He took her again to his lodge, claiming he would name her a taxi from his room. He as a substitute disappeared to the lavatory earlier than returning bare and assaulting her, she mentioned.

    “I didn’t fight that much… I just absolutely froze. I thought that my one ‘no’ should have been enough. And I just thought ‘stay alive and get out,” Shields recalled within the documentary.

    After the incident, Shields recalled phoning her buddy and safety head Gavin de Becker, who advised her: “That’s rape.”

     Brooke Shields seems in a scene from the documentary “Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields” by Lana Wilson | AP

    She replied “I’m not willing to believe that,” and has not spoken of the incident publicly till now.

    The revelation — which echoes #MeToo revelations by outstanding and lesser-known Hollywood actresses lately — is considered one of a number of stunning moments within the movie, which shall be launched on the Hulu streaming platform in two elements.

    Part one examines the extreme sexualization Shields skilled as a younger woman, together with a provocative nude photoshoot at age 10, and her look as a toddler prostitute within the movie “Pretty Baby” at age 11.

    The documentary exhibits a younger Shields being requested lascivious questions by a lot older male chat present hosts about her roles in motion pictures corresponding to “The Blue Lagoon” and “Endless Love,” and the sequence of controversial Calvin Klein denims commercials she starred in.

    After experiencing international fame as an adolescent, Shields attended college at Princeton, and initially struggled to search out appearing roles once more after she graduated — resulting in the assembly together with her alleged rapist.

    Perseverance

    “My personal message is perseverance, and not allowing yourself to become a victim to a society or an industry,” she mentioned forward of the movie’s premiere on the competition in Utah.

    “I’m proud of how I kept learning, kept growing, kept striving and kept loving what I do,” Shields mentioned.

    The film, which earned Shields a standing ovation at Sundance, additionally chronicles the media’s later obsession together with her virginity, her mom’s alcoholism, and her first marriage to tennis star Andre Agassi.

    Brooke Shields, proper poses with director Lana Wilson on the premiere of the movie on the 2023 Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 20, 2023, in Park City | AP

    It options a number of of Shields’ well-known mates together with Lionel Richie, Laura Linney and Drew Barrymore.

    Co-founded by Robert Redford, Sundance is a key launching pad for impartial motion pictures and documentaries.

    Also on Thursday was the premiere of “Justice,” a shock late addition to the competition line-up, which explores the sexual misconduct allegations towards Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

    The first documentary “The Bourne Identity” director Doug Liman, it options testimony from Deborah Ramirez, considered one of Kavanaugh’s accusers and a former Yale classmate.

    WATCH | Brooke Shields breaks down as daughter Rowan leaves for faculty, shares emotional video

    It additionally contains audio of one other classmate, who mentioned he noticed Kavanaugh expose himself to a special, “extremely drunk” girl pupil at one other get together, however whose account was solely reported in US media months after Kavanaugh’s polarizing 2018 Senate affirmation listening to.

    The girl, who will not be named, has mentioned she doesn’t keep in mind the incident.

    “This was the kind of movie where people are terrified” to talk out, Liman mentioned.

    Kavanaugh has categorically denied participating in sexual misconduct.

    The 2023 Sundance Film Festival is the primary to be held in particular person for 3 years, as current editions have been compelled on-line by Covid. It runs till January 29.

  • WFI chief will reply to sexual harassment allegations on Jan 22, says his son

    By PTI

    GONDA: Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh will problem a press release on allegations of sexual harassment in opposition to him after the sports activities physique’s Annual General Meeting on January 22, his son Prateek mentioned on Friday.

    The allegations have been made by a number of the nation’s high wrestlers, together with Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Ravi Dahiya. The WFI chief had referred to as for a press convention in his native Gonda this morning.

    However, after delaying it for seven hours, his son, who’s a BJP MLA from the Gonda Sadar constituency, got here onto the stage to make the announcement.

    Addressing the media, Prateek mentioned, “I am here on behalf of my father and I would like to inform you all that we will issue a written statement only after the AGM of WFI on January 22.”

    “We want to discuss the issue with members from all across India and then take any decision. Whatever decision we will take, we will inform the press through a written statement,” he mentioned.

    Earlier within the day, Singh reached Nandini College premises and met gamers who had come for a three-day wrestling championship.

    The WFI chief termed the protest by the nation’s high grapplers “dharna of Shaheen Bagh” and reiterated that he will not stop his put up.

    ALSO READ | Will ‘expose political conspiracy’ in press convention, says WFI president

    GONDA: Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh will problem a press release on allegations of sexual harassment in opposition to him after the sports activities physique’s Annual General Meeting on January 22, his son Prateek mentioned on Friday.

    The allegations have been made by a number of the nation’s high wrestlers, together with Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Ravi Dahiya. The WFI chief had referred to as for a press convention in his native Gonda this morning.

    However, after delaying it for seven hours, his son, who’s a BJP MLA from the Gonda Sadar constituency, got here onto the stage to make the announcement.

    Addressing the media, Prateek mentioned, “I am here on behalf of my father and I would like to inform you all that we will issue a written statement only after the AGM of WFI on January 22.”

    “We want to discuss the issue with members from all across India and then take any decision. Whatever decision we will take, we will inform the press through a written statement,” he mentioned.

    Earlier within the day, Singh reached Nandini College premises and met gamers who had come for a three-day wrestling championship.

    The WFI chief termed the protest by the nation’s high grapplers “dharna of Shaheen Bagh” and reiterated that he will not stop his put up.

    ALSO READ | Will ‘expose political conspiracy’ in press convention, says WFI president

  • WFI chief will reply to sexual harassment allegations on Jan 22, says his son

    By PTI

    GONDA: Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh will situation a press release on allegations of sexual harassment towards him after the sports activities physique’s Annual General Meeting on January 22, his son Prateek mentioned on Friday.

    The allegations have been made by among the nation’s high wrestlers, together with Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Ravi Dahiya. The WFI chief had referred to as for a press convention in his native Gonda this morning.

    However, after delaying it for seven hours, his son, who’s a BJP MLA from the Gonda Sadar constituency, got here onto the stage to make the announcement.

    Addressing the media, Prateek mentioned, “I am here on behalf of my father and I would like to inform you all that we will issue a written statement only after the AGM of WFI on January 22.”

    “We want to discuss the issue with members from all across India and then take any decision. Whatever decision we will take, we will inform the press through a written statement,” he mentioned.

    Earlier within the day, Singh reached Nandini College premises and met gamers who had come for a three-day wrestling championship.

    The WFI chief termed the protest by the nation’s high grapplers “dharna of Shaheen Bagh” and reiterated that he will not give up his publish.

    ALSO READ | Will ‘expose political conspiracy’ in press convention, says WFI president

    GONDA: Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh will situation a press release on allegations of sexual harassment towards him after the sports activities physique’s Annual General Meeting on January 22, his son Prateek mentioned on Friday.

    The allegations have been made by among the nation’s high wrestlers, together with Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Ravi Dahiya. The WFI chief had referred to as for a press convention in his native Gonda this morning.

    However, after delaying it for seven hours, his son, who’s a BJP MLA from the Gonda Sadar constituency, got here onto the stage to make the announcement.

    Addressing the media, Prateek mentioned, “I am here on behalf of my father and I would like to inform you all that we will issue a written statement only after the AGM of WFI on January 22.”

    “We want to discuss the issue with members from all across India and then take any decision. Whatever decision we will take, we will inform the press through a written statement,” he mentioned.

    Earlier within the day, Singh reached Nandini College premises and met gamers who had come for a three-day wrestling championship.

    The WFI chief termed the protest by the nation’s high grapplers “dharna of Shaheen Bagh” and reiterated that he will not give up his publish.

    ALSO READ | Will ‘expose political conspiracy’ in press convention, says WFI president

  • Minissha Lamba Addresses Sajid Khan as ‘Creature’ When Asked to Comment on MeToo Movement

    Home LeisureMinissha Lamba Addresses Sajid Khan as ‘Creature’ When Asked to Comment on MeToo Movement

    Minissha Lamba was commenting on the MeToo Movement in India, her profession, and Bigg Boss when she known as Sajid Khan a ‘creature.’ Read her full assertion right here.

    Minissha Lamba Addresses Sajid Khan as ‘Creature’ When Asked to Comment on MeToo Movement

    Minissha Lamba feedback on Sijd Khan: Actor Minissha Lamba is likely to be away from the display screen for a very long time, however she says her Bollywood profession has made her wiser. The actor just lately turned 38 and spoke to the media about her decisions within the business and on the #MeToo motion. Minissha, who appeared in films like Bachna Ae Haseeno, Yahaan, Honeymoon Travels Private Ltd, and Kidnap amongst others, referred to Sajid Khan as ‘creature’ in the identical interview.

    When requested about taking part in Bigg Boss season 8 and Sajid Khan who simply took a voluntary exit from Bigg Boss 16, Minissha mentioned it’s higher to speak much less about him. She advised Indian Express, “The Me Too movement is and has been so important in changing the conversation around the world about women. It was just a revolution that was on the brink that was waiting to happen. It just needed that one boiling point, that one catastrophe to change the world and that is what revolutions are all about. Regarding the creature (Sajid Khan) you are talking about, the less about the person the better.”

    Minissha additionally appeared again at her journey in Bollywood and mentioned she did every part by herself. The actor was final seen within the 2017 film Bhoom and she or he talked about that she has had some great alternatives in her profession. “I did not have the kind of guidance which I needed at that time. I did everything on my own and when I look back, I am wiser. Definitely, if I had to do it again, I would have done certain things differently,” she mentioned.

    Meanwhile, Sajid exited Bigg Boss to shoot for his subsequent movie ‘100 percent’ with Shehnaaz Gill, Nora Fatehi, Riteish Deshmukh and John Abraham. This was the filmmaker’s first official look after a number of girls accused him of sexual harassment through the #MeToo motion within the 12 months 2018.

    Published Date: January 19, 2023 7:54 AM IST

  • ‘French Oscars’ bars these investigated for sexual misconduct

    By AFP

    PARIS: The Cesar Awards, France’s model of the Oscars, stated Monday that anybody being investigated for allegations of sexual misconduct could be barred from its ceremony subsequent month.

    There had been fears of protests on the occasion on February 25 over the newest #MeToo furore involving newcomer Sofiane Bennacer, who’s being investigated by police on two allegations of rape and certainly one of violence in opposition to a associate.

    Bennacer, 25, who denies any wrongdoing, had been seen as an awards frontrunner for his half in “Les Amandiers” (titled “Forever Young” overseas) a couple of sexually promiscuous group of drama college students within the Eighties.

    It additionally follows protests on the 2020 ceremony when Roman Polanski, convicted of raping a toddler within the Nineteen Seventies, received the perfect director — which triggered a significant reorganisation of the Cesar Academy.

    In an announcement, the Academy stated anybody dealing with a possible jail sentence for “violence, notably of (a) sexual or sexist nature” could be excluded from the approaching ceremony.

    “It has been decided not to highlight people who may have been put in question by the judiciary for acts of violence,” it stated, including that the step was being taken “out of respect for the victims”, even when they had been solely “presumed” victims.

    Bennacer was dropped from the lengthy checklist of attainable nominees in November after contemporary allegations surfaced within the media.

    The director of “Les Amandiers”, Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi (additionally stated to be Bennacer’s girlfriend), denounced “a media lynching”.

    She admitted on Instagram that the movie’s producers had been conscious of allegations in opposition to Bennacer through the casting, “but I told them these rumours would not stop me and I couldn’t envision making the film without him.”

    Her well-known sister, singer and former French First Lady Carla Bruni, stated the actor’s remedy undermined the presumption of innocence, “one of the foundations of our democracy”.

    The Cesar Academy stated it was nonetheless debating whether or not individuals with sexual misconduct allegations and convictions needs to be banned completely from future nominations and awards, with a call due within the coming weeks.

    PARIS: The Cesar Awards, France’s model of the Oscars, stated Monday that anybody being investigated for allegations of sexual misconduct could be barred from its ceremony subsequent month.

    There had been fears of protests on the occasion on February 25 over the newest #MeToo furore involving newcomer Sofiane Bennacer, who’s being investigated by police on two allegations of rape and certainly one of violence in opposition to a associate.

    Bennacer, 25, who denies any wrongdoing, had been seen as an awards frontrunner for his half in “Les Amandiers” (titled “Forever Young” overseas) a couple of sexually promiscuous group of drama college students within the Eighties.

    It additionally follows protests on the 2020 ceremony when Roman Polanski, convicted of raping a toddler within the Nineteen Seventies, received the perfect director — which triggered a significant reorganisation of the Cesar Academy.

    In an announcement, the Academy stated anybody dealing with a possible jail sentence for “violence, notably of (a) sexual or sexist nature” could be excluded from the approaching ceremony.

    “It has been decided not to highlight people who may have been put in question by the judiciary for acts of violence,” it stated, including that the step was being taken “out of respect for the victims”, even when they had been solely “presumed” victims.

    Bennacer was dropped from the lengthy checklist of attainable nominees in November after contemporary allegations surfaced within the media.

    The director of “Les Amandiers”, Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi (additionally stated to be Bennacer’s girlfriend), denounced “a media lynching”.

    She admitted on Instagram that the movie’s producers had been conscious of allegations in opposition to Bennacer through the casting, “but I told them these rumours would not stop me and I couldn’t envision making the film without him.”

    Her well-known sister, singer and former French First Lady Carla Bruni, stated the actor’s remedy undermined the presumption of innocence, “one of the foundations of our democracy”.

    The Cesar Academy stated it was nonetheless debating whether or not individuals with sexual misconduct allegations and convictions needs to be banned completely from future nominations and awards, with a call due within the coming weeks.

  • Kevin Spacey due in UK court docket on new intercourse offence prices

    By AFP

    LONDON: Oscar-winning Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey was due in court docket in London on Friday to face seven new sexual offence prices.

    Prosecutors introduced final month that they had authorised extra prices towards “The Usual Suspects” and “American Beauty” star.

    In July, Spacey, 63, pleaded not responsible to 5 comparable prices towards three males between 2005 and 2013 in London and Gloucestershire, western England.

    The newest allegations will probably be formally put to him at a listening to at Westminster Magistrates Court in central London from 1400 GMT, a court docket official instructed AFP.

    They are three prices of indecent assault, three of sexual assault and considered one of inflicting an individual to have interaction in sexual exercise with out consent.

    Prosecutors mentioned they associated to at least one man and had been allegedly dedicated between 2001 and 2004.

    None of the alleged victims might be recognized underneath English legislation. Reporting restrictions forestall additional particulars from being disclosed earlier than trial.

    Spacey, who was creative director at London’s Old Vic Theatre between 2004 and 2015, in October noticed a New York court docket dismiss a $40 million sexual misconduct lawsuit introduced towards him.

    Anthony Rapp alleged the star focused him when he was 14. But a decide dominated he had introduced the case too late for a prison cost.

    Spacey’s appearing profession ended 5 years in the past when the claims surfaced and he was dropped from the ultimate season of the political drama “House of Cards” and different tasks.

    Claims towards the actor emerged within the wake of the #MeToo motion of sexual assault and harassment within the film business.

    In 2019, prices of indecent and sexual assault had been dropped towards him in Massachusetts, within the US northeast.

    Spacey has at all times denied allegations of sexual abuse.

    LONDON: Oscar-winning Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey was due in court docket in London on Friday to face seven new sexual offence prices.

    Prosecutors introduced final month that they had authorised extra prices towards “The Usual Suspects” and “American Beauty” star.

    In July, Spacey, 63, pleaded not responsible to 5 comparable prices towards three males between 2005 and 2013 in London and Gloucestershire, western England.

    The newest allegations will probably be formally put to him at a listening to at Westminster Magistrates Court in central London from 1400 GMT, a court docket official instructed AFP.

    They are three prices of indecent assault, three of sexual assault and considered one of inflicting an individual to have interaction in sexual exercise with out consent.

    Prosecutors mentioned they associated to at least one man and had been allegedly dedicated between 2001 and 2004.

    None of the alleged victims might be recognized underneath English legislation. Reporting restrictions forestall additional particulars from being disclosed earlier than trial.

    Spacey, who was creative director at London’s Old Vic Theatre between 2004 and 2015, in October noticed a New York court docket dismiss a $40 million sexual misconduct lawsuit introduced towards him.

    Anthony Rapp alleged the star focused him when he was 14. But a decide dominated he had introduced the case too late for a prison cost.

    Spacey’s appearing profession ended 5 years in the past when the claims surfaced and he was dropped from the ultimate season of the political drama “House of Cards” and different tasks.

    Claims towards the actor emerged within the wake of the #MeToo motion of sexual assault and harassment within the film business.

    In 2019, prices of indecent and sexual assault had been dropped towards him in Massachusetts, within the US northeast.

    Spacey has at all times denied allegations of sexual abuse.

  • Karanvir Bohra voices his help for #MeToo accused Sajid Khan: ‘Everyone should be given a chance’

    Actor Karanvir Bohra, who has been selling his music video “Tere Jism Se” with co-star Poonam Pandey, has come out in help of #MeToo accused filmmaker Sajid Khan. Sajid, who was accused by a number of ladies of sexual misconduct throughout India’s #MeToo motion. is at present seen as a contestant in common actuality present Bigg Boss 16, which triggered criticism from numerous individuals.

    In a press convention, when Karanvir was requested about Bigg Boss 16, the actor stated that he helps Sajid, Abdu Rozik and MC Stan as contestants and likewise feels that anybody who has made a mistake prior to now, deserves to be given an opportunity.

    “We all make mistakes and we all have flaws. In that sense, I support Sajid Khan as a contestant. I support Abdu and MC Stan. These three by far I love. They are really really good,” Karanvir Bohra stated.

    The actor added, “Everyone should be given a chance. You have to be with people and I know him (Sajid Khan) from a very long time. I know Farah ma’am from a very long time. Be it anyone, including my friend, if they have done something right or wrong, we stand by that person.”

    Recently, a Bhojpuri actor Rani Chatterjee additionally spoke about Sajid Khan’s misconduct along with her when the previous went to present an audition for a track in his movie Himmatwala. Rani claimed that Sajid spoke to her about her physique and intercourse life along with her companion. However, the actor left when she felt uncomfortable with the dialogue.

  • In a #MeToo second, Hollywood figures face season of trials

    By Associated Press

    NEW YORK: The #MeToo motion is having one other second within the highlight as high-profile sexual assault trials play out in courtrooms from coast to coast.

    Five years after allegations towards film mogul Harvey Weinstein triggered a wave of sexual misconduct claims in Hollywood and past, he and “That ’70s Show” actor Danny Masterson are combating legal rape costs at trials down the corridor from one another in Los Angeles.

    In New York, trials are underway in sexual assault lawsuits towards actor Kevin Spacey and screenwriter-director Paul Haggis, each Oscar winners. Spacey’s defence rested Wednesday whereas legal professionals for Haggis and his accuser gave opening statements in an adjoining courthouse. All of the boys deny the allegations.

    A forcible touching case towards one other Academy Award winner, actor Cuba Gooding Jr., wrapped up in New York final week with a responsible plea to a non-criminal harassment violation and no jail time, to the dismay of not less than a few of his accusers.

    The confluence is a coincidence, however a hanging one, amid a cultural motion that has demanded visibility and accountability.

    “We’re still very early on in this time of reckoning,” stated Debra Katz, a Washington-based lawyer who has represented many sexual assault accusers. She is not concerned within the Haggis, Masterson, Spacey or Weinstein trials.

    Besides their #MeToo reverberations, each Haggis’ case and Masterson’s have turn out to be boards for scrutinizing the Church of Scientology, although from totally different views.

    In the case towards Haggis, publicist Haleigh Breest claims that the “Crash” and “Million Dollar Baby” screenwriter pressured her to carry out oral intercourse and raped her after she reluctantly agreed to a drink in his Manhattan condo after a 2013 film premiere. She’s searching for unspecified damages.

    She did not go public till after the allegations towards Weinstein burst into view in 2017 and Haggis condemned him.

    “The hypocrisy of it made her blood boil,” lawyer Zoe Salzman stated in her opening assertion.

    Jurors may even hear from 4 different ladies who informed Breest’s legal professionals that Haggis sexually assaulted them, or tried to take action, in separate encounters. One of them testified Wednesday, by way of videotaped questioning, that Haggis raped her throughout an after-hours assembly in her workplace in 1996 when each labored on a Canadian TV present.

    The jury will not hear, nevertheless, that Italian authorities this summer season investigated a sexual assault allegation towards Haggis, which he denied.

    Haggis maintains that his encounter with Breest was consensual, and defence legal professional Priya Chaudhry famous that the opposite ladies who’re set to testify by no means took authorized motion of their very own towards him.

    “Paul Haggis is relieved that he finally gets his day in court,” Chaudhry informed jurors.

    Both sides pointed to what Breest texted to a good friend the day after the alleged assault.

    Her lawyer emphasised that Breest wrote that “he was so rough and aggressive. Never, ever again … And I kept saying no.” Haggis’ legal professional, in the meantime, stated Breest added “lol” — widespread texting shorthand for laughter — when she talked about performing oral intercourse, and that she informed the good friend she needed to be alone with Haggis once more to “see what happens.”

    Chaudhry argued that Breest falsely claimed rape to angle for a payout. But the legal professional additionally recommended one other clarification for the allegations.

    Promising “circumstantial evidence,” she recommended that Scientologists ginned up Breest’s lawsuit to discredit him after he grew to become a distinguished detractor.

    The church denies any involvement, and Breest’s legal professionals have referred to as the notion a baseless conspiracy idea.

    “Scientology has nothing to do with this case” or with any of Haggis’ accusers, she informed jurors. The church has stated the identical.

    Scientology is a system of beliefs, teachings and rituals centered on non secular betterment. Science fiction and fantasy writer L. Ron Hubbard’s 1950 ebook “Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health” is a foundational textual content.

    The faith has gained a following amongst such celebrities as Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley. But some high-profile members have damaged with it, together with Haggis, singer Lisa Marie Presley and actor Leah Remini.

    In a memoir and documentary collection, Remini stated the church makes use of manipulative and abusive techniques to indoctrinate followers into placing its targets above all else, and he or she maintained that it labored to discredit critics who spoke out.

    The church has vociferously disputed the claims.

    Haggis says he was a Scientologist for 3 many years earlier than leaving the church in 2009. He slammed it as “a cult” in a 2011 New Yorker article that later knowledgeable a ebook and an HBO documentary, and he foreshadowed that retribution would come within the type of “a scandal that looks like it has nothing to do with the church.”

    The church, which did not reply to a request for remark this week, has repeatedly stated Haggis lied about its practices to get consideration for himself and his profession.

    Masterson’s lawyer, in the meantime, is asking jurors to ignore the actor’s affiliation with Scientology, although prosecutors say the church discouraged two of his three accusers from going to authorities. All three are former members.

    Closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday in a $40 million lawsuit introduced by actor Anthony Rapp who says Spacey made a sexual move at him in 1986 when Rapp was 14 and Spacey was 26. Spacey denies the encounter ever occurred.

    Weinstein is going through his second legal trial, this time set in L.A. and involving 5 ladies and a number of rapes and sexual assault costs. He is already serving a 23-year jail sentence on a rape and sexual assault conviction involving two ladies in New York.

    The Associated Press doesn’t often identify folks alleging sexual assault except they arrive ahead publicly, as Breest and Rapp have carried out.

    NEW YORK: The #MeToo motion is having one other second within the highlight as high-profile sexual assault trials play out in courtrooms from coast to coast.

    Five years after allegations towards film mogul Harvey Weinstein triggered a wave of sexual misconduct claims in Hollywood and past, he and “That ’70s Show” actor Danny Masterson are combating legal rape costs at trials down the corridor from one another in Los Angeles.

    In New York, trials are underway in sexual assault lawsuits towards actor Kevin Spacey and screenwriter-director Paul Haggis, each Oscar winners. Spacey’s defence rested Wednesday whereas legal professionals for Haggis and his accuser gave opening statements in an adjoining courthouse. All of the boys deny the allegations.

    A forcible touching case towards one other Academy Award winner, actor Cuba Gooding Jr., wrapped up in New York final week with a responsible plea to a non-criminal harassment violation and no jail time, to the dismay of not less than a few of his accusers.

    The confluence is a coincidence, however a hanging one, amid a cultural motion that has demanded visibility and accountability.

    “We’re still very early on in this time of reckoning,” stated Debra Katz, a Washington-based lawyer who has represented many sexual assault accusers. She is not concerned within the Haggis, Masterson, Spacey or Weinstein trials.

    Besides their #MeToo reverberations, each Haggis’ case and Masterson’s have turn out to be boards for scrutinizing the Church of Scientology, although from totally different views.

    In the case towards Haggis, publicist Haleigh Breest claims that the “Crash” and “Million Dollar Baby” screenwriter pressured her to carry out oral intercourse and raped her after she reluctantly agreed to a drink in his Manhattan condo after a 2013 film premiere. She’s searching for unspecified damages.

    She did not go public till after the allegations towards Weinstein burst into view in 2017 and Haggis condemned him.

    “The hypocrisy of it made her blood boil,” lawyer Zoe Salzman stated in her opening assertion.

    Jurors may even hear from 4 different ladies who informed Breest’s legal professionals that Haggis sexually assaulted them, or tried to take action, in separate encounters. One of them testified Wednesday, by way of videotaped questioning, that Haggis raped her throughout an after-hours assembly in her workplace in 1996 when each labored on a Canadian TV present.

    The jury will not hear, nevertheless, that Italian authorities this summer season investigated a sexual assault allegation towards Haggis, which he denied.

    Haggis maintains that his encounter with Breest was consensual, and defence legal professional Priya Chaudhry famous that the opposite ladies who’re set to testify by no means took authorized motion of their very own towards him.

    “Paul Haggis is relieved that he finally gets his day in court,” Chaudhry informed jurors.

    Both sides pointed to what Breest texted to a good friend the day after the alleged assault.

    Her lawyer emphasised that Breest wrote that “he was so rough and aggressive. Never, ever again … And I kept saying no.” Haggis’ legal professional, in the meantime, stated Breest added “lol” — widespread texting shorthand for laughter — when she talked about performing oral intercourse, and that she informed the good friend she needed to be alone with Haggis once more to “see what happens.”

    Chaudhry argued that Breest falsely claimed rape to angle for a payout. But the legal professional additionally recommended one other clarification for the allegations.

    Promising “circumstantial evidence,” she recommended that Scientologists ginned up Breest’s lawsuit to discredit him after he grew to become a distinguished detractor.

    The church denies any involvement, and Breest’s legal professionals have referred to as the notion a baseless conspiracy idea.

    “Scientology has nothing to do with this case” or with any of Haggis’ accusers, she informed jurors. The church has stated the identical.

    Scientology is a system of beliefs, teachings and rituals centered on non secular betterment. Science fiction and fantasy writer L. Ron Hubbard’s 1950 ebook “Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health” is a foundational textual content.

    The faith has gained a following amongst such celebrities as Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley. But some high-profile members have damaged with it, together with Haggis, singer Lisa Marie Presley and actor Leah Remini.

    In a memoir and documentary collection, Remini stated the church makes use of manipulative and abusive techniques to indoctrinate followers into placing its targets above all else, and he or she maintained that it labored to discredit critics who spoke out.

    The church has vociferously disputed the claims.

    Haggis says he was a Scientologist for 3 many years earlier than leaving the church in 2009. He slammed it as “a cult” in a 2011 New Yorker article that later knowledgeable a ebook and an HBO documentary, and he foreshadowed that retribution would come within the type of “a scandal that looks like it has nothing to do with the church.”

    The church, which did not reply to a request for remark this week, has repeatedly stated Haggis lied about its practices to get consideration for himself and his profession.

    Masterson’s lawyer, in the meantime, is asking jurors to ignore the actor’s affiliation with Scientology, although prosecutors say the church discouraged two of his three accusers from going to authorities. All three are former members.

    Closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday in a $40 million lawsuit introduced by actor Anthony Rapp who says Spacey made a sexual move at him in 1986 when Rapp was 14 and Spacey was 26. Spacey denies the encounter ever occurred.

    Weinstein is going through his second legal trial, this time set in L.A. and involving 5 ladies and a number of rapes and sexual assault costs. He is already serving a 23-year jail sentence on a rape and sexual assault conviction involving two ladies in New York.

    The Associated Press doesn’t often identify folks alleging sexual assault except they arrive ahead publicly, as Breest and Rapp have carried out.

  • Rani Chatterjee Reveals Her Shocking Experience With Sajid Khan: ‘He Asked S*X Kitni Baar Karti Hai?’

    MeToo on Sajid Khan: Ever since filmmaker Sajid Khan has develop into one of many contestants of Bigg Boss 16, the controversies surrounded by him have solely elevated. The fashions and actresses who’ve accused Sajid of sexual harassment requested the makers of Bigg Boss 16 to take away the Humshakals director from the favored actuality present. Apart from these, there are contemporary statements coming on the web by different actresses who’ve come up stronger to lift their voices in opposition to Sajid Khan. The newest one to accuse Sajid is Bhojpuri actress Rani Chatterjee, who revealed stunning expertise with Sajid after they met for the primary time.Also Read – Bigg Boss 16: Did Salman Khan Hint at Sidharth Malhotra-Kiara Advani’s Wedding on ‘Shanivaar Ka Vaar’? – Watch

    Rani Chatterjee in an interview with AajTak revealed that Sajid had requested to fulfill him at his house alone when he supplied her track named Dhokha Dhokha. The actress stated when she went to Sajid’s home, he informed her that he would forged her for a track named Dhokha Dhokha, for which he wish to see her legs since she must put on a brief lehenga within the track. When she confirmed her legs until knees, Sajid requested her breast dimension and the frequency of her intercourse. Rani concluded that earlier than she ran away from there, Sajid even tried to the touch her inappropriately. Also Read – Big Boss 16: Sona Mohapatra Slams Makers on Getting Sajid Khan a National Platform, Says ‘If You Don’t Speak up…..’

    Rani Chatterjee revealed that she perceive different girls’s ache who’ve accused Sajid of sexual harassment. Now, since he’s been allowed to be a part of Bigg Boss, Rani thought to open up in opposition to him. Also Read – Bigg Boss 16: Sreejita De Accuses Uttaran Co-Star Tina Dutta of Playing ‘Ugly Game’, Says ‘She is Constantly Backstabbing…’

    Sajid Khan has been accused of sexual misconduct by many actresses together with Mandana Karimi, Aahana Kumra, Kanishka Soni, and Sherlyn Chopra. He has been accused of sexual assault allegations which embody flashing his personal elements at events, asking actresses to ship him their nude photos as a part of the casting course of and watching porn in entrance of ladies.

  • Mel Gibson to Testify Against MeToo Accused Harvey Weinstein in Los Angeles Trial

    Mel Gibson to Testify Against MeToo Accused Harvey Weinstein: Actor Mel Gibson might be referred to as to testify in opposition to Harvey Weinstein on the producer’s upcoming Los Angeles rape trial, a decide dominated on Friday. Prosecutors wish to name the actor to help the allegations of Jane Doe 3, who claims that Weinstein sexually assaulted her after she gave him a therapeutic massage at his resort in 2010, stories Variety. According to Deputy District Attorney Marlene Martinez, the girl later advised Gibson in regards to the incident throughout a therapeutic massage, and Gibson’s testimony would assist buttress her allegation.Also Read – New Sexual Assault Charges Against Harvey Weinstein After he Recovers From COVID-19

    Judge Lisa B. Lench allowed prosecutors to name Gibson to the stand. She additionally denied a protection request that they be allowed to ask Gibson about racist and anti-semitic statements he has made over time. But the protection will likely be allowed to ask whether or not Gibson holds a grudge in opposition to Weinstein. The protection argued that Gibson has in poor health will towards Weinstein courting from the discharge of ‘The Passion of the Christ’, which was extensively seen to play on anti-semitic themes. Also Read – Harvey Weinstein, 68, Gets Coronavirus in Prison Serving 23 Years of Sentence For Rape And Sexual Assault

    Weinstein later revealed a guide, Perspectives on the Passion of the Christ, that challenged the movie. “This created a feud between Mr Gibson and Mr Weinstein,” argued Mark Werksman, Weinstein’s legal professional. When Werksman inaccurately claimed that the movie received an Oscar for finest image, Weinstein gestured no along with his arms and with a glance of disdain. Werksman additionally argued that Gibson is “now trying to rehabilitate his image by becoming a champion of the #MeToo movement. Also Read – Harvey Weinstein Hospitalised Due to Chest Pain After Receiving 23-Years of Imprisonment in Landmark #MeToo Case

    According to the attorneys, Gibson told investigators that Jane Doe 3 had a ‘PTSD reaction’ when he brought up the name ‘Harvey’ during a massage. Gibson was talking about Weinstein in the context of a business deal. The woman stopped the massage, started crying and “gave the idea that Weinstein sexually assaulted or groped her,” Werksman mentioned.

    Werksman argued that he must be allowed to confront Gibson about his anti-semitic tirade that adopted his 2006 arrest, in addition to an anti-semitic remark he allegedly as soon as made to Winona Ryder and different racist statements. “How is it relevant if he’s racist toward African Americans or Latinos?” Lench requested.

    “It goes to his unwillingness to grant equal status to someone who is not of his ilk. He has a white-supremacist view,” Werksman responded. “Someone with white-supremacist values might have no problem perjuring himself against a Jewish defendant.” Lench finally permitted the protection to ask Gibson about any animosity towards Weinstein. “I’m not going to let you get into his different feedback that will point out his normal demeanor about, as you say, ‘people who are not of his ilk,’” she said.

    “I will allow you to question him about whether or not there is personal animosity between the two of them.” The judge later allowed the defense to state the name of a book, “Naked Massage,” that Jane Doe 3 was trying to publish with Weinstein’s assist. The court docket spent the primary half of the day discussing Jane Doe 1, an Italian mannequin who alleges that Weinstein raped her on the Mr C resort in the course of the Los Angeles Italia Film Festival in February 2013. The protection argued in opposition to the prosecution’s intention to make use of so-called “fresh complaint” witnesses for every of the 5 alleged victims and 4 “prior bad acts” witnesses.

    Weinstein’s lawyer Alan Jackson proposed that the prosecution restrict its use of contemporary complaints a” statements made by a sufferer inside a brief time frame after a criminal offense a” to 1 per alleged sufferer, and none for the uncharged witnesses. “I don’t believe there’s any case law that suggests they get to pile on fresh complaint witnesses in multiples,” Jackson mentioned, later including. “It dilutes the evidence. I think it’s a waste of time. I think it’s improper. I think it dilutes Mr Weinstein’s due process.”

    Describing it as “Energizer Bunny prosecution,” Jackson mentioned the introduction of contemporary complaints has “far more prejudice than value.” Jackson referenced calls Jane Doe 1 made to one of many witnesses, Lubov Smirnova, saying: “Something terrible happened.” The “vague statement” isn’t a contemporary criticism, Jackson argued: “None of those have the specificity to rise to a fresh complaint. It’s prejudicial.” Lench dominated that each complaints made to Smirnova are admissible, along with a criticism made to Jane Doe 1’s daughter Maria C.

    Lench will permit the protection to current pictures into proof of Jane Doe 1 posted on social media, together with since-deleted kickboxing footage that he argued may name into query her skill to beat or escape a menace. Although Lench agreed with Deputy District Attorney Paul Thompson that the road of questioning may perpetuate a rape fantasy.

    Jackson later argued that the prosecution declare that Jane Doe 1 “did not say anything about his scrotum or testicles in her first two interviews” was factually unfaithful. He cited three interviews with LAPD Detective Javier Vargas and Deputy District Attorney Lowrie Mendoza by which she is quoted as saying a number of instances that she was pressured to “suck his balls, put his testicles in her mouth.”

    Weinstein doesn’t have testicles, Jackson mentioned. Actress Jessica Mann testified in graphic element throughout his New York trial about his “deformed” genitalia. After three days of jury choice, the pool of potential jurors was narrowed to 160 by Friday. Weinstein is dealing with 11 sexual assault expenses for alleged assaults in opposition to 5 girls between 2004 to 2013. The disgraced mogul is already serving a 23-year sentence after being convicted of rape and sexual assault in his New York trial in 2020.

    New York’s highest court docket has agreed to listen to an attraction, however a conviction in Los Angeles – the place he faces as much as 140 years behind bars – may successfully assure that he’s behind bars for all times.

    — Except for the headline, this story is taken from IANS