Model Claudia Salinas denies being Harvey Weinstein's 'pimp' during LA rape trial, calls it 'pure fiction'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Harvey Weinstein and a Mexican model are alleged to have been locked in a bathroom in a Beverly Hills hotel. The model has denied the claim, labeling it "pure fiction." Following her testimony on Wednesday for the prosecution in the continuing sex crimes trial, Claudia Salinas angrily denied the accusations brought against her by one of Harvey Weinstein's accusers.
In a tense confrontation with the prosecution, Claudia Salinas, 39, refuted the accusation categorically that she lured Lauren Young and confined her in the hotel bathroom with Weinstein, where he allegedly masturbated on her, reported by New York Post.
READ MORE
'I just wanted to die': Harvey Weinstein accuser recounts 'humiliating' details of bathroom rape
Young testified earlier this week in an emotional Los Angeles Superior Court trial that Salinas had asked her to the Montague Hotel in February 2013 for a "meeting" with Weinstein to talk about a script and possible employment options, reported by Daily Mail.
Although Salinas acknowledged that a meeting had taken place at the hotel for drinks, he denied bringing Young to a room or locking her in a toilet with Weinstein. This week, as the trial which had already lasted many weeks, continued and Weinstein's defense team requested that he be permitted to wear suspenders because "his pants had been coming down" in court. As long as it complies with the sheriff's standards, the judge ruled, it's okay with her.
Weinstein, 70, was previously found guilty of rape and sexual assault in New York and received a 23-year prison term. He is now charged with 11 more counts of sexual battery by constraint and, if found guilty, may spend the rest of his life in prison, reported by New York Post.
Salinas informed the jury in court on Wednesday that she had dinner with her mother in New York City in 2003 when she first met Weinstein. Later, she was given parts in several of his films, including 'Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights'. Salinas told the Daily Beast that Weinstein was simply a "business acquaintance" after her testimony in the LA case. "I certainly wasn't asked to be drawn into either of his trials and it was the last place I wanted to be," she told the outlet.
"Having said that, I consistently told the truth in both trials. Jane Doe 2's allegations did not hold up under cross-examination because obviously, they are fiction." Although the court will be closed on Friday in observance of Veterans Day, the trial will continue on Thursday.