HARVEY Weinstein was pictured grinning this morning as he hobbled into his sex assault trial on a walker to face his alleged victims.
The former movie mogul, 67, has been accused of sexual abuse by more than 80 women since allegations against him first emerged in October 2017 and sparked the worldwide #MeToo movement.
His trial will focus on two allegations in particular, one that he raped a woman in a New York hotel in 2013, another that he forcibly performed oral sex on a different woman in his Manhattan apartment in 2006.
Weinstein is charged with predatory sexual assault, a criminal sexual act, first-degree rape, and third-degree rape and faces life in prison if convicted.
He has pleaded not guilty and has repeatedly denied all claims of non-consensual sex.
Answering questions to CNN via e-mail ahead of the start of the trial, Weinstein wrote: "The past two years have been gruelling and have presented me with a great opportunity for self-reflection.
"I realize now that I was consumed with my work, my company and my drive for success.
"This caused me to neglect my family, my relationships and to lash out at the people around me.
"I have been in rehab since October 2017, and have been involved in a 12-step program and meditation.
"I have learned to give up my need for control."
ACCUSERS TO TAKE THE STAND
Protesters and women's rights activists gathered outside the court building ahead of Weinstein's arrival.
Among them were actresses Rosanna Arquette and Rose McGowan, both of whom have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct.
Speaking to reporters, Arquette said: "[Weinstein] seemed like a very broken man.
McGowan added: "I think he's taken some good acting tips."
Jury selection for the trial, which will take place in Manhattan, is expected to begin on Tuesday following a pretrial conference today.
Today, Judge James Burke will reportedly lay out a timetable for the trial, currently expected to last six to eight weeks.
While the proceedings will focus on two allegations in particular, other accusers are expected to take the stand as part of an attempt by the prosecution to demonstrate a pattern of abusive behaviour.
LEGAL ISSUES UNLIKELY TO END
Asked directly by CNN, Weinstein declined to express empathy for his accusers.
"While I do have many empathetic opinions regarding many people, I am following the advice of my lawyers on the eve of my trial to not offer any commentary on this," he wrote.
He added: "My meditation and focus on looking inward has helped me balance my emotions.
"The whole process has been overwhelming, but I am working every day to stay level."
Weinstein has appeared in public looking frail and using a walker on a number of occasions since undergoing a three-hour back operation to address problems caused by a car crash last summer.
He says that, if not convicted, he plans "to focus on my children, my health and rest".
"If I can do something positive to advance the causes that I had always championed, I hope to find a way to do so," he wrote.
Weinstein's legal issues are unlikely to end if he is acquitted at the end of this trial.
At least 29 women in the United States, Canada, and Europe have brought civil claims against him, with allegations ranging from battery, assault, and defamation to sex trafficking and racketeering.
He has again denied the allegations.
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