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Harvey Weinstein retrial: Accuser's roommate testifies; Oscar-winning producer's lawyers argue that woman consented to boost career

Harvey Weinstein retrial: Accuser's roommate testifies; Oscar-winning producer's lawyers argue that woman consented to boost career

Time of India25-04-2025

Hovering in the doorway of her roommate's bedroom one evening in July 2006, TV production assistant Miriam Haley said Harvey Weinstein - her boss - had forcibly performed oral sex on her, her then-roommate testified Thursday at the ex-movie mogul's retrial.
"I said, 'Miriam, that sounds like rape. I think you should call a lawyer,'" but a shaken Haley seemed disinclined to do so, recalled the ex-roommate, Elizabeth Entin.
If secondhand, it was the first testimony jurors have gotten so far about any of the alleged sexual assaults at the heart of the retrial, which opened Wednesday. Haley and two other accusers are expected to testify later in the weekslong proceeding.
Weinstein, 73, maintains that he has never sexually assaulted or raped anyone. His lawyers argue that his accusers consented to sexual encounters with the Oscar-winning producer in hopes of getting ahead in the entertainment business.
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Weinstein was transformed in 2017 from a Hollywood tycoon into the
#MeToo movement
's archvillain, after a series of sexual misconduct allegations against him became public.
He was convicted in 2020 of raping Jessica Mann, who was once an aspiring actor, and sexually assaulting Haley, who worked on the Weinstein-produced "Project Runway." But New York's highest court overturned his conviction last year, finding that the trial judge had allowed prejudicial testimony.
The reversal led to the retrial, which includes an additional allegation of forcible oral sex on a different woman, former model Kaja Sokola. Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Entin was among the witnesses who are returning to the stand five years after testifying in the landmark #MeToo case. But prosecutors, some defense lawyers and the judge are different - and so are the contours of the testimony and evidence being elicited.
For instance, this time Entin didn't give any details of what she said Haley told her about the alleged sexual assault.
And Entin wasn't asked about a recollection that made for a memorable and rare light moment at the first trial - a time when she said Weinstein showed up uninvited and was chased around the women's apartment by Entin's pet Chihuahua.
Farber had indicated he didn't think that having Entin describe the purported episode was fair game for the trial.
In another measure of the looping trajectory of the case, Entin found herself testifying about what she has said and written about the first trial itself. The fashion startup founder and consultant has reflected on the case in a book, on podcasts and some interviews.
Weinstein attorney Jennifer Bonjean confronted her with instances in which Entin referred to her participation in the first trial as her "15 minutes of fame" and compared gearing up for testifying to preparing for battle.
Entin responded tensely that being cross-examined was a form of "very civilized battle."
The voluble Entin said that her writing style was sometimes "mildly hyperbolic," but that she'd been describing how she girded herself for a daunting experience.
The Associated Press does not identify people who allege they have been sexually assaulted unless they agree to be named. Haley, Mann and Sokola have done so.
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From wedding vows to machete blows: Inside the chilling Meghalaya honeymoon murder - Plot revealed in 10 pictures
From wedding vows to machete blows: Inside the chilling Meghalaya honeymoon murder - Plot revealed in 10 pictures

Time of India

time26 minutes ago

  • Time of India

From wedding vows to machete blows: Inside the chilling Meghalaya honeymoon murder - Plot revealed in 10 pictures

Sonam Raghuvanshi, once a young woman with aspirations of earning an MBA, now finds herself at the heart of a gruesome murder investigation that has shocked the nation. After completing her graduation, her academic dreams were quietly pushed aside under family pressure, which steered her into helping with the family's plywood business in Madhya Pradesh. It was there that she met Raj Kushwaha, an employee who would soon become central to one of the most chilling honeymoon murder cases in recent memory. Just days after marrying Raja Raghuvanshi in what appeared to be a traditional union, Sonam allegedly conspired with Raj to have her husband killed during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. Police claim Raj stayed behind while coordinating the murder, carried out by three men he recruited. As Raja was brutally attacked with a machete in a remote forest, Sonam stood by, reportedly watching in silence. From a false robbery narrative to an attempted cover-up, the case has unraveled into a horrifying tale of deception, betrayal, and premeditated murder, leaving both families and investigators stunned. Shattered dreams Sonam Raghuvanshi, who is now at the center of a shocking honeymoon murder case, once aspired to pursue an MBA after completing her graduation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo Her academic ambitions, however, were put on hold under family pressure. Family expectations Sonam's family discouraged her from seeking employment outside the home, urging her instead to assist her brother Govind in running the family's plywood business in Madhya Pradesh. A fatal meeting While working at the family business, Sonam met Raj Kushwaha, who managed billing and accounts. This acquaintance would later become central to a sinister plot. The doomed marriage Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi tied the knot on May 11 and left for their honeymoon in Meghalaya on May 20. Just three days into the trip, on May 23, the couple went missing. CCTV footage from their Shillong homestay showed them wearing black jackets and carrying a white suitcase. Raj, described as calm and composed, is now accused of orchestrating the murder of Sonam's husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, just days after their wedding. A suspicious trip During the couple's honeymoon in Meghalaya, Raja's brother Vipin grew suspicious after overhearing frequent phone calls between Govind and Raj. At the time, nothing seemed amiss. A phone conversation between Sonam Raghuvanshi and her mother-in-law on the day Raja Raghuvanshi was murdered has emerged as a chilling focal point in the police investigation. Sonam told her mother-in-law, Uma Raghuvanshi, that she would not break her 'Gyaras' fast just because they were away. When asked where Raja was, she replied, "Raja is walking ahead... his phone is in the bag, I'll get him to call you later." Coordinated killing Police claim Raj directed the murder remotely, instructing three childhood friends—Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi—to carry out the killing while he remained behind. Trust betrayed Raj had long been seen as part of the Raghuvanshi family's inner circle—sharing meals and business ties. His alleged betrayal has left the family deeply shocked and devastated. Police allege Sonam and her lover, Raj Kushwaha, planned the murder days before the trip, hiring three men—Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi—to execute the crime on the honeymoon in Meghalaya. The murder The assailants allegedly shadowed Raja and Sonam, using a rental car after arriving in Shillong on May 21. Sonam reportedly shared their live location with Raj, who stayed and coordinated remotely. In a forested area, the attackers tried to push Raja off a steep cliff. When that failed, they brutalized him with a machete (dao) carried for the purpose Witnesses and forensic evidence confirm Raja was struck multiple times with a machete—his autopsy showed at least two sharp wounds to the head—until he succumbed to the attack. Unfolding horror What was believed to be a traditional and respectful marriage quickly unraveled into a story of deception, manipulation, and murder—leaving a community stunned and a family in grief. According to police, Sonam watched the entire murder "coldly" without intervening. The coverup Investigators recovered the bloodstained machete near the gorge, a raincoat tied to Sonam's belongings, and Raja's missing jewellery—elements pointing toward a premeditated murder disguised as robbery. Sonam fled the scene soon after, resurfacing days later in Indore and UP. CCTV, phone records, and her travel route all suggest a planned escape—not a victimized bride. Sonam initially claimed unknown thieves attacked Raja during a robbery. but investigators countered this narrative using evidence like recovered valuables and her suspicious behavior. Sonam, Raj, and the three hired men have been arrested and charged. Authorities are probing deeper into the conspiracy—examining Sonam's role, motives, and whether the motive included Sonam's desire to leave Raja and be with Raj.

'No remorse whatsoever': Gangster Goldy Brar's cold confession on Sidhu Moosewala murder; a rival gang angle
'No remorse whatsoever': Gangster Goldy Brar's cold confession on Sidhu Moosewala murder; a rival gang angle

Time of India

time30 minutes ago

  • Time of India

'No remorse whatsoever': Gangster Goldy Brar's cold confession on Sidhu Moosewala murder; a rival gang angle

N EW DELHI: Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar justified killing popular Sidhu Moosewala by claiming that the popular Punjabi singer "had to face the consequences of his actions. " In a BBC documentary, it was revealed that Lawrence Bishnoi and Moosewala's relationship dated back a long time, and the dreaded gangster used to call the singer from jail, telling him he liked his music. "In his arrogance, he (Moosewala) made some mistakes that could not be forgiven," Brar told the BBC. "We had no option but to kill him. He had to face the consequences of his actions. It was either him or us. As simple as that," he added. Brar, who is also a member of Lawrence Bishnoi gang, said that the "first dispute" between Moosewala and Bishnoi began with a match of Kabaddi in a village in Punjab. Brar said that Moosewala had promoted the tournament which was organised by Bishnoi's rivals - the Bambiha gang. "That's a village our rivals come from. He was promoting our rivals. That's when Lawrence and others were upset with him. They threatened Sidhu and said they wouldn't spare him," Brar said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Help abandoned elders today HelpAge India Donate Now Undo The dispute was resolved by an associate of Bishnoi Vicky Middukhera. Later, Middukhera was himself gunned down by gangsters in Mohali in August 2021, by which point, Bishnoi's hostility towards Sidhu Moosewala reached the point of no return. The Bambiha gang claimed responsibility for killing Middukhera. The police named Moosewala's friend and sometime manager Shaganpreet Singh on the charge sheet, citing evidence that Singh had provided information and logistical support to the gunmen. Singh later fled India and is believed to be in Australia. Moosewala denied any involvement. The Punjab police told the BBC there was no evidence linking Moosewala to the killing or any gang-related crime. But Moosewala was friends with Shaganpreet Singh, and he was never able to shake off the perception that he was aligned with the Bambiha gang — a perception that may have cost him his life. "Everyone knew Sidhu's role, the police investigating knew, even the journalists who were investigating knew. Sidhu mixed with politicians and people in power. He was using political power, money, his resources to help our rivals. We wanted him to face punishment for what he'd done. He should have been booked. He should have been jailed. But nobody listened to our plea," Brar said. "So we took it upon ourselves. When decency falls on deaf ears, it's the gunshot that gets heard. Law. Justice. There's no such thing," he says. "Only the powerful can... (obtain) justice, not ordinary people like us," he added. He went on to say that even Vicky Middukhera's brother, despite being in politics, has struggled to get justice through India's judicial system. "He's a clean guy. He tried hard to get justice for his brother lawfully. Please call him and ask how that's going. I did what I had to do for my brother. I have no remorse whatsoever," he said. Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, popularly known as Sidhu Moosewala, was shot dead in Punjab's Mansa district on May 29. He was killed when he, along with his friend and cousin, was travelling in a jeep to Jawahar Ke village in Mansa. Six shooters waylaid and sprayed bullets at him. After the killing, Goldy Brar, who is a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, claimed responsibility for the act. According to the chargesheet filed in the Moosewala murder case, Goldy coordinated with the shooters and plotters, including Bishnoi and Bhagwanpuria. He allegedly arranged weapons, cash, cars, phones, mobile SIMs and shelters for the accused.

Deepshikha Nagpal recalls Shah Rukh Khan being rude to her on 'Koyla' set: 'He hurt my ego, later recommended me for Baadshah, yeh unka badappan hai'
Deepshikha Nagpal recalls Shah Rukh Khan being rude to her on 'Koyla' set: 'He hurt my ego, later recommended me for Baadshah, yeh unka badappan hai'

Time of India

time36 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Deepshikha Nagpal recalls Shah Rukh Khan being rude to her on 'Koyla' set: 'He hurt my ego, later recommended me for Baadshah, yeh unka badappan hai'

Deepshikha Nagpal who is largely known for her television shows has also been a part of many movies like 'Koyla', 'Baadshah', 'Partner' among others. Deepshikha who has worked with Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan spoke about her association with these actors in a recent interview. She confessed that she was a huge fan of SRK and always in awe of him. But she felt he was rude to her on the sets of Rakesh Roshan 's 'Koyla'. Eventually, she thanked him for it because it only helped her perform better and be more dedicated to her work. The actress recalled in an interview with Instant Bollywood, "When Rakesh ji cast me in Koyla, I was all mad for Shah Rukh after watching DDLJ. When Shah Rukh came on the set, my first scene with him was when I had to die in his arms. So, Rakesh ji said, let's do a silent shot first and he was impressed with me because I knew my mark and everything. Acting hi karle nayi ladki, but mujhe mark pataa tha, sab pataa tha. So, when SRK entered and he was smoking, Rakesh ji said, 'You met Deepshikha,' so he said, 'Hi. '. Then Rakesh ji said, "Deepshikha is very good." Shah Rukh said while smoking his cigerrette with attitude, "Ya let's see." Deepshikha further said, "Joh mera ego hurt hua hai. He was so rude. I said, ab toh main karke dikhaungi. Woh scene kaat diya tha film mein. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo He had to hold me close and I tell him Madhuri's character has gone. I still can smell his aura, aroma. And then after the shot, I went and sat quietly. We became friends later and then we use to share the same umbrella during rains and all. But after that incident, I used to just concentrate on my work and be dedicated. May be he saw that and recommended my name then for 'Badshah'." Shah Rukh also clarified about this instance with her. She said, "Later when I spoke about him being rude in an interview, he told me, "'No Deepshika. I like my space so I also like giving space to people.' But then I told him, 'Thank you Shah Rukh, for saying, 'Lets see'. So, I could just perform better or else I might have not even been there in 'Koyla'. And then he liked my work so much and recommended me to Ratan ji (Producer Ratan Jain) for Baadshah. " However, SRK never told about it to her. "Ratan ji ne mujhe picture hone ke baad bataya ke Shah Rukh ne mera naam recommend kiya tha. Shah Rukh ne kabhi bola bhi nahi. Yeh uska badappan hai. After that 1-2 films, I couldn't talk to him as I was always in awe of him." Then they became good friends and Deepshikha revaled that SRK even invited her home. "He also told me, 'Come home', but I never went because I used to feel small. I wish I had gone. But now I'm manifesting that I'm going to work with Shah Rukh and Salman very soon again."

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