New York - The judge in Harvey Weinstein's sex crimes trial on
Thursday rejected a request from the defence team to recuse himself
over what they called "prejudicial and inflammatory comments" to
their client.
In a Wednesday letter to Judge James Burke, the lawyers complained he
had "admonished" Weinstein on Tuesday for using his mobile phone.
Burke had told the disgraced Hollywood mogul: "Is this really the way
you want to end up in jail for the rest of your life, by texting in
violation of an order?"
Weinstein, 67, is on trial in New York on five counts of rape and
sexual assault. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
His lawyers claimed Burke's comments "reflect the court's animus
towards the defendant."
Burke said on Thursday he was merely trying to scare Weinstein and
was not suggesting he was going to give him a life sentence.
Thursday marked the third day of jury selection, a process that could
take anywhere from several days to several weeks due to the high
level of public interest in the case.
On Tuesday and Wednesday most jurors were dismissed, with many of
them saying they could not be impartial. Thursday's pre-screening
session ended early after the lead prosecutor had a medical
emergency.
More than two years have passed since US media detailed numerous
allegations against Weinstein, triggering a cascade of accusations
against other powerful men and the spread of the #MeToo movement.
More than 80 women, including A-list actresses, have accused
Weinstein of sexual misconduct. He has denied all allegations of
non-consensual sex.