Harvey Weinstein to be investigated by Scotland Yard, Merseyside Police AND the New York Police Department over sexual assault claims
The announcement of Scotland Yard's involvement came shortly before Brit Hollywood star Kate Beckinsale became the latest to allege Weinstein had forced himself upon her
HARVEY Weinstein will be investigated by the Metropolitan Police over sex abuse claims, Scotland Yard has confirmed.
The disgraced movie mogul, 65, also faces an NYPD probe as the raft of allegations against him continued to mount today.
London's police force told : "The Met has been passed an allegation of sexual abuse by Merseyside police on Wednesday 11 October.
"The allegation will be assessed by officers from the child abuse and sexual offences command.”
There is no suggestion the investigation into Weinstein revolves around allegations of child abuse.
The probe focuses on a complaint made to Merseyside Police regarding an incident that allegedly took place in London during the 1980s, the BBC said.
New York's police force also confirmed it is looking into the series of abuse claims made against the producer.
A statement read: "Based on information referenced in published news reports the NYPD is conducting a review to determine if there are any additional complaints relating to the Harvey Weinstein matter.
“No filed complaints have been identified as of this time."
The announcement of Scotland Yard's involvement came shortly before Brit Hollywood star Kate Beckinsale became the latest to allege Weinstein had forced himself upon her.
In an Instagram post, the 44-year-old said Weinstein tried to ply her with alcohol after inviting her to his hotel room at London's Savoy more than 25 years ago.
She claims he was unable to remember the encounter - which allegedly happened when Beckinsale was a 17-year-old schoolgirl - when the pair crossed paths later in her career.
Among other celebrities to have come forward with accounts of sexual harassment at his hands include Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Asia Argento.
What we know so far:
- The Sun revealed Harvey Weinstein propositioned Myleene Klass with a sex contract, during a Cannes film festival lunchin 2010.
- The contract included a confidentiality agreement stressing she could not discuss any sexual relationship with Weinstein.
- Kate Beckinsale was also targeted when she was a 17-year-old schoolgirl by Weinstein now 65. The actress said her refusal to give in to the sleazy film-maker’s demands “undoubtedly harmed my career”.
- The FBI and police in New York and London have all opened investigations into Weinstein, with one cop calling him a “super-predator”;
- Emma Thompson compared him to serial sex offender Jimmy Savile, saying: “It’s the same story. He’s dangerous and what he’s done and what he’s doing is criminal.”
- Weinstein whined to photographers he was “a good guy” as he flew off to rehab for sex addiction;
- His long-time PR man in the UK quit over the tidal wave of sex allegations.
- Weinstein has been accused of sexual harassment or abuse of more than 30 women. Three have accused him of rape.
- His wife Brit fashion designer Georgia Chapman has left him.
- The allegations have all been denied by Weinstein.
