'Seasoned predator' Harvey Weinstein 'was not just a titan in Hollywood, he was a rapist', court told

Harvey Weinstein arrives at New York Criminal Court REUTERS/Brendan Mcdermid

Brendan Pierson

Harvey Weinstein abused his status as a Hollywood power broker to lure young women into violent sexual attacks, a New York prosecutor told jurors on Wednesday as the former film producer's rape trial got underway.

"The man seated right there was not just a titan in Hollywood, he was a rapist," Assistant District Attorney Meghan Hast said in her opening statement in a Manhattan courtroom. She characterized Weinstein, 67, as a "seasoned predator" and said his female accusers were "no match" for him.