NEW YORK _ Harvey Weinstein's lawyers plan to kick off their defense by detailing emails from his alleged victims about the sex they had with the disgraced movie mogul, it was revealed Tuesday.
"We are in possession of dozens and dozens and dozens of emails between Weinstein and individuals who are going to come to this courtroom and claim he sexually assaulted them," defense attorney Damon Cheronis said.
"What we will counter with are their own words," he continued. "Witnesses who claimed Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulted them also bragged about being involved in sexual relationships with him. They bragged about these things he allegedly forced them to do."
Over objections from prosecutors, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice James Burke said he would allow the defense to reference the emails in their opening arguments as they are consistent with the heart of Weinstein's defense, which is that all of the encounters were consensual.
The two sides are expected to deliver opening arguments Wednesday morning followed by testimony from the first witness, in what's set to be a six-week trial.
Weinstein shook his head and mouthed "no" when asked whether he felt worried outside the courthouse.
Weinstein, 67, faces two counts of predatory sexual assault, two counts of rape and one count of criminal sexual act. If convicted of the top charge, he faces a maximum of life in prison.
