A woman referenced as Ashley M. testified in court against Harvey Weinstein on Thursday, claiming he assaulted her in a hotel room. She was part of the cast for “Dirty Dancing; Havana Nights.”
Ashley M. said she walked with Mr. Weinstein and his assistant at the time, Bonnie Hung for a meeting in his hotel room. Hung allegedly assured that she would remain with the woman for the meeting. However, the woman felt “freaked out” when she found herself alone with him instead, according to The Economic India Times.
She said Weinstein quickly became aggressive toward her and overpowered her by pushing her onto the bed. She went on to allege that the disgraced movie mogul straddled her and proceeded to masturbate while on top of her, according to The Economic India Times. She told the court she told Weinstein to stop, but said her efforts were futile.
‘Dirty Dancing’ actress claims Harvey Weinstein masturbated on her breasts https://t.co/cpHUFGk1t1 pic.twitter.com/1L5WNjnW7A
— New York Post (@nypost) October 28, 2022
Thursday was the first time Ashley M. told her story in a courtroom. She told the court she was a dancing double hired to work on the set of the movie when Weinstein allegedly sexually assaulted her, according to the Economic India Times. She was 22-years-old at the time.
She began crying in court before she was asked any questions, and repeatedly apologized to Judge Lisa Lench, who reportedly responded by telling her she had nothing to be sorry about. Lench called for a short break to allow Ashley M. to gather herself, according to The Economic India Times. (RELATED:
Harvey Weinstein’s ‘deformed’ genitalia to be scrutinized at LA sex crimes trial https://t.co/XwbdjmSl22 pic.twitter.com/OkYWtZqpoo
— New York Post (@nypost) October 24, 2022
Ashley M. was one of four women who did not file charges against Weinstein but are being permitted to testify in court. She was scheduled to return to the witness stand Friday for questioning from prosecutors and cross-examination from Weinstein’s defense team, according to The Economic India Times.
Weinstein is already serving 23-year sentence after being convicted in New York and has pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape and seven counts of sexual assault in Los Angeles. He continues to maintain his innocence and has denied engaging in non-consensual sex, according to The Economic India Times.