Harvey Weinstein pre-trial to be heard in secret as judge blocks media and public from courtroom

Mr Weinstein has been accused by dozens of women of sexual assault or rape

(AFP)

Disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein has appeared in court for a crucial hearing that will determine which of his female accusers will be allowed to give evidence during the trial over sexual assault and rape claims made against the 67-year-old, and how much of that trial will be open to the public.

During the hearing on Friday, Mr Weinstein’s attorneys argued that the case should be conducted under seal in order to “prevent tainted information from going to the press to further harm Mr Weinstein’s constitutional rights.”

The judge agreed with this request, and has barred the media and public from attending the pre-trial proceedings. Prosecutors had also signalled an interest in keeping some of the procedings under wraps, while mdia organisations have sued for acceess.

Arriving at Manhattan Supreme Court on Friday, Mr Weinstein was flanked by his legal team, which now includes two female attorneys in addition to two men who were previously working on the case.

Those two attorneys are named Marianne Bertuna and Diana Fabi Samson. The other attorneys seen accompanying Mr Weinstein were Jose Baez and Arthur Aidala, who is the husband of Ms Bertuna.

Mr Weinstein had previously attempted to get the charges against him dismissed, but a judge denied that motion in December.

The disgraced Hollywood producer has been accused by dozens of women of sexual misconduct and faces rape charges in New York.

Mr Baez, a key member of Mr Weinstein’s legal team, is known for having defended Casey Anthony and Aaron Hernandez.

Ms Samson, meanwhile, previously worked for the Manhattan district attorney’s office that she is now facing in court.