Harvey Weinstein’s accusers ‘refuse to be silenced’ on eve of criminal trial

With Harvey Weinstein’s criminal trial slated to begin within days, two dozen of his accusers have issued a statement about the disgraced movie producer, signaling their intentions to continue to speak out.

“Next week, the world will be watching as Harvey Weinstein walks into court to stand trial for a fraction of the egregious crimes he has committed,� said the Silence Breakers, a group comprised of many of his accusers, in a statement Friday. �Weinstein is a serial predator who sexually abused women for decades, taking advantage of his power and connections to systematically silence the women who could bring his crimes to light.

“More than two years ago — thanks to the courage of so many women who risked everything to come forward — this ugly façade came down and he finally faced a public and professional reckoning for his actions. This trial is critical to show that predators everywhere will be held accountable and that speaking up can bring about real change. We refuse to be silenced and will continue to speak out until this unrepentant abuser is brought to justice.�

A representative for the ex-mogul could not be immediately reached for comment.

On Jan. 6, Weinstein faces charges of sexual assault involving multiple women in New York City. He has denied engaging in nonconsensual sex with women.

In December, Weinstein was widely criticized for calling himself “the forgotten man� in an interview with the New York Post and citing how many women he helped during his career. The comments triggered a swift backlash, including a formal statement signed by 23 of his accusers.

The Silence Breakers are Rosanna Arquette, Jessica Barth, Zoe Brock, Rowena Chiu, Caitlin Dulany, Dawn Dunning, Lucia Evans, Louisette Geiss, Louise Godbold, Larissa Gomes, Dominique Huett, Katherine Kendall, Jasmine Lobe, Sarah Ann Masse, Rose McGowan, Emily Nestor, Lauren O’Connor, Tomi-Ann Roberts, Lisa Rose, Erika Rosenbaum, Lauren Sivan, Melissa Thompson and Paula Williams.

Last month, the Times reported that Los Angeles District attorney’s office has escalated its review into eight cases against Weinstein and is considering filing criminal charges against him.

Weinstein and his former film studio’s board have reached a controversial $47-million settlement with several women who have accused him of sexual misconduct, according to attorneys involved in the negotiations.

About $25 million will be allocated to the accusers, $7.3 million to unsecured creditors and former Weinstein Co. employees and about $12.2 million will be earmarked to pay legal fees of the studio’s directors and officers, according to a copy of the settlement term sheet obtained by The Times. The Weinstein Co. filed for bankruptcy protection in March 2018.

Weinstein, the producer behind such Oscar-winning hits as “Shakespeare in Love,� “Chicago� and “The King’s Speech,� was fired from his company in October 2017 after dozens of women accused him of sexual misconduct.