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Back on Stand, Weinstein Accuser Declares: 'He Is My Rapist'

Associated Press

   NEW YORK - A day after breaking down in tears, a key accuser at Harvey
   Weinstein's trial returned to the witness stand Tuesday and endured a
   final day of withering cross-examination focused on the complex nature
   of their relationship, defiantly telling jurors: ``I want the jury to
   know that he is my rapist.''

   The woman was back in a New York City courtroom for a third day as
   Weinstein's lawyers finished an exhaustive review of friendly,
   sometimes flirtatious emails she sent the film producer after she says
   he raped her twice in 2013.

   They also played a recording she made of herself telling a psychic in
   April 2014 that Weinstein ``had tried to cross boundaries in my life
   but I don't allow him to.''

   Weinstein's lawyers contend that evidence points to a consensual
   relationship and shows that the 34-year-old former actress was a
   manipulator who grin-and-bared her way through sexual encounters with
   Weinstein because she enjoyed the perks of knowing him.

   ``I know the history of my relationship with him,'' she pushed back.
   ``I know it was complicated and difficult. But that doesn't change the
   fact that he raped me.''

   Asked by Weinstein lawyer Donna Rotunno how many times they had
   consensualsex,the woman responded: ``I only remember intercourse the
   times that he raped me.''

   Cross-examination took up most of the woman's time on the witness
   stand.

   She finished direct testimony on Friday and prosecutors decided not to
   ask her any additional questions once Rotunno was finished Tuesday
   afternoon.

   Key allegations

   One reason the defense has focused so much attention on the woman is
   because her allegations that Weinstein raped her at a Manhattan hotel
   in March 2013 are the basis for some of the most serious charges at
   issue in his trial.

   The woman has alleged Weinstein raped her again several months later at
   a Beverly Hills hotel, though she said she is not sure if she will
   pursue charges there.

   The woman's return to the witness stand followed an emotional episode
   Monday, when she sobbed while reading an email passage about being
   abused earlier in her life. It was part of an email she sent a
   boyfriend in May 2014 explaining her relationship with Weinstein. The
   judge halted proceedings when she was unable to continue.

   The Associated Press typically does not publish the names of people
   alleging sexual assault unless they give their consent. The AP is
   withholding the name of the woman because it isn't clear if she wishes
   to be identified publicly.

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