Crystal McKinney sues Harvey Weinstein for 2003 sexual assault

In 2003, Crystal McKinney, a former model, accused Harvey Weinstein of sexually assaulting her and a friend in a hotel room in New York City. Following a meeting that was set up under the guise of discussing a business opportunity, McKinney alleges Weinstein intoxicated them with alcohol and made unwanted sexual advances. In her complaint, she detailed how Weinstein sexually assaulted her after dragging her to his room. Her accusations surfaced alongside her allegations against Sean 'Diddy' Combs in a separate lawsuit filed in May 2024. The ongoing legal battles against prominent men in the entertainment industry reflect the lasting impact of the #MeToo movement, which gained momentum after numerous allegations against Weinstein were published in 2017. Closing arguments in Weinstein's current trial are underway and may influence how sexual assault cases are handled in the context of the #MeToo movement, as testimony related to established patterns of misconduct was previously deemed improperly admitted in court. The outcome could set important legal precedents for future cases involving sexual violence and the accountability of powerful figures in the industry.