Time’s Up supporters gather outside Harvey Weinstein hearing to hear ruling

Group of actors and activists gathered outside the New York Supreme Court following Hollywod mogul's hearing

(Getty Images)

Actors Amber Tamblyn, Marisa Tomei and Kathy Najimy joined protesters from the Time's Up activist group outside the New York Supreme Court where film producer Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault case was being heard.

The Hollywood mogul has been charged with the 2013 rape of a woman in a hotel room and a 2006 sexual assault in his Manhattan apartment. He denies the allegations.

His lawyer Ben Brafman filed a motion to dismiss the five counts of rape and sexual assault against the 66-year-old.

But Judge James Burke declined to do so and as a result Weinstein will return to court on 7 March.

Following Burke's ruling, Tamblyn posted a photograph of the Time’s Up activists, who wore matching T-shirts to show their support for the organisation, stood outside the courthouse.

Outside the court, the actors were joined by protesters from the Time's Up group, including its president Lisa Borders, who tweeted a picture of their demonstration.

“This morning we showed up in Criminal court to witness Harvey Weinstein and his case not be dismissed,” she wrote next to the photograph.

Tamblyn added: “It is a small victory. But there’s a long way to go. We’ll be there again on 7 March and look forward to seeing him prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Ms Borders, who was formerly the president of the Women's National Basketball Association is the first-ever President and Chief Executive Officer of Time’s Up.

Outside court she told reporters: "Today, here in New York, we saw the first steps towards justice. Frankly, we are relieved that Harvey Weinstein failed in his efforts to avoid accountability for his actions, and we are very happy that none of the charges were dismissed.

Lawyer Gloria Allred, who represents one of the alleged victims in the case, told reporters she is satisfied the case will now move to a pre-trial hearing.

"This indictment was based on evidence and testimony before the grand jury," she told reporters after the hearing. "It was not based on the #MeToo movement. So, let's be clear about that."

The Time’s Up Instagram account later posted a photograph of its supporters outside the court, thanking their "sisters who bore witness today in a New York courtroom".

“We are relieved that the case against Harvey Weinstein withstood this initial challenge and we look forward to seeing justice served," they wrote.