Harvey Weinstein allegations – FBI ‘opens probe into sex abuse claims after fears he would flee country like Roman Polanski’
THE FBI have launched a probe into the allegations surrounding Harvey Weintsein.
It is understood that the Department of Justice has instructed the bureau to investigate the slew of claims that have come against the movie mogul.
So far it is unclear whether the order came directly from Donald Trump's Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, reports.
The investigation came amid suggestions the producer was heading to Europe for sex addiction treatment after his wife left him sparking fears he could flee the country like Roman Polanski.
Polanski fled the US in 1978 after being convicted of having sex with a 13-year-old girl.
He has lived in Europe ever since.
There is no suggestion that any of the allegations against Weinstein relate to underage girls.
But it has now been revealed he will be staying Stateside for his treatment, allegedly jetting off from LA to Arizona last night.
The US President has already spoken out against the explosive claims made against the Hollywood producer, saying: "I've known him for years. I'm not surprised."
Movie mogul Weinstein was a donor for Trump's rival Hillary Clinton, who turned her back on him on Tuesday as more allegations came to light.
The bureau has the power to investigate any federal crime committed in the US and is responsible for preparing extradition proceedings were he to flee the country.
Among the allegations which the FBI is expected to examine is that he forced Lucia Evans, a student who wanted to be an actress, to perform a sex act on him in New York in 2004.
New York State has no statute of limitations on rape and criminal sexual acts.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce on Wednesday ordered investigators in the Special Victims Division “to endeavor to identify and locate and interview any potential victims” of the disgraced movie producer, a high-ranking police source told .
“He’s a super predator. His conduct shows he’s been at this a long time, and he’s a professional at it,” another police official said.
“He’s been at this so long, there’s no way there are not other victims out there. Imagine how many promises he’s made to these young women who were trying to make it into the industry.”
Fall from grace - what we know:
- On October 5th, The New York Times publishes an article about Harvey Weinstein's sexual misconduct revealing settlements with at least eight women.
- The movie mogul then issues a statement admitting he has "caused a lot of pain" apologising for his actions.
- He's fired by the board of the Hollywood business he launched - The Weinstein Company - with "immediate effect."
- His growing list of accusers include Angelina Jolie, Asia Argento , Gwyneth Paltrow, Mira Sorvino and Ashley Judd.
- The New Yorker claims three women have accused him of rape, allegations he “unequivocally denies”.
- British wife Georgina Chapman announces she is leaving him saying: "My heart breaks for all the women who have suffered tremendous pain."
- Up to 30 women have come forward to accuse Weinstein, 65, of sex crimes — but the final total could be much higher
- British wife Georgina Chapman left him after ten years of marriage, branding his actions “unforgivable”
- He was said to have fled to an addiction clinic amid fears he might skip the country and evade justice like director Roman Polanski
- His membership of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts was suspended
- PM Theresa May hinted he could be stripped of his CBE awarded in 2004
- Prince Harry’s ex Cressida Bonas and Irish presenter Laura Whitmore told how they felt “creeped out” by Weinstein
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