Harvey Weinstein, Steven Seagal and Anthony Anderson sexual assault cases being reviewed by LA prosecutors
More trouble on the radar for Harvey Weinstein. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s sexual assault task force has reportedly taken up new cases that involve former producer Weinstein, 'Above the Law' actor Steven Seagal and 'Black-ish' actor Anthony Anderson. "A sexual assault case was presented yesterday [August 8] by the Los Angeles Police Department involving Steven Seagal. It remains under review," said Jackie Lacey's office on Thursday.
LAPD had earlier revealed that they were reviewing the several allegations of harassment made against actor Seagal. The said claims are said to have allegedly occurred in 2005. Two women spoke out publicly on March 19, accusing the actor of sexually assaulting them when they were in their "late teens". Actresses like Jenny McCarthy, Julianna Margulies, Portia de Rossi and several other women have also accused Seagal of sexual misconduct spanning decades.
"Additionally, LAPD presented a sex assault case involving Anthony Anderson," the office also said, "It also remains under review." According to the Blast, the assault occurred after a business event more than a year ago. The event was thrown by Anderson. The alleged victim came forward only recently because they felt more comfortable to come out and talk about it after the #MeToo movement, sources close to the alleged victim told the publication. The incident was reported at the Hollywood Division of LAPD.
The Blast reported that the alleged victim had met with Anderson a second time in order to talk about future business prospects when he allegedly assaulted her. LAPD had also confirmed at the time saying, “We have a crime report listing him as a suspect in a crime. It is an open investigation."
Soon after this, in a statement, Anderson had denied these allegations. "It’s unfortunate that anyone can file a police report whether it is true or false. The authorities have not contacted Anthony or any of his representatives about this matter. Anthony unequivocally disputes the claim," the actor's representative had said. This wasn't his first sexual assault allegation either. Reports say that Anderson has been previously accused of assaulting an extra on set. The allegations said that he and accompanied by an assistant director raped the victim on the sets of 'Hustle &Flow' (2004). Charges against him were later dropped.
"Lastly, the Beverly Hills Police Department presented a third sex assault case involving Harvey Weinstein in June. That case, along with two others presented by BHPD and three presented by LAPD, involving Mr. Weinstein remains under review," the Los Angeles D.A said. A source reportedly told Deadline that "these cases are very different and there is a lot to unpack." Weinstein has been accused by around 80 women of sexual assault and harassment and he faces a number of lawsuits.