Harvey Weinstein has turned himself into New York police after being charged with rape and sexual assault in cases involving two women. The disgraced producer – who is expected in court later today – was pictured today being led away in handcuffs.

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A statement from the New York Police Department said Weinstein “was arrested, processed and charged with rape, criminal sex act, sex abuse and sexual misconduct for incidents involving two separate women”. CNN reports that the statement also thanked “these brave survivors for their courage to come forward and seek justice”.

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Weinstein – who has been accused of rape and sexual misconduct by over 70 women – has always denied non-consensual sex. Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Rose McGowan and Ashley Judd are among the high-profile actresses who have spoken out against the 66-year-old since the allegations first emerged in October last year.

The case inspired the Time’s Up movement, a campaign against sexual harassment founded by Hollywood. It serves as a legal defence fund for those fighting sexual misconduct in the workplace. In addition, the Me Too initiative was born, a global campaign which revealed the pervasiveness of sexual harassment and abuse.

Weinstein has been fired from his own production company, which has now filed for bankruptcy. He has also been expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organisation behind the Oscars.

From: Harper’s BAZAAR UK