Protestors gathered outside a courthouse in New York as the trial of Harvey Weinstein got underway on Monday. 

The former film producer has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and sexual assault against two women. Allegations against Weinstein prompted the ‘Me Too’ movement, with protests held across the world.  His trial is seen as a landmark case for women’s rights in the United States.

Harvey Weinstein arrived at the State Supreme Court in New York today using a walker, after undergoing back-surgery. On the way into the building he passed protestors, including a number of well-known actresses who have accused the movie mogul of sexual harassment.  Among them was the celebrity Rosanna Arquette who told the media,"As we stand here at the beginning of a new year and a new decade, time's up. Time's up on sexual harassment in all workplaces, time's up on blaming survivors.”

Allegations against Harvey Weinstein first surfaced in 2017 when a number of actresses and former employees came forward to accuse him of harassment and assault, allegations he has strongly denied. The story prompted protests across the world as people shared their own experiences of abuse and the social media hashtag ‘Me Too’ went viral.

More than eighty women have since come forward to make allegations against Harvey Weinstein, but this trial focuses on claims from just two women. If convicted of the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault, he could face life in prison.

Gloria Allred, the lawyer for the victims, spoke to reporters outside the court, saying “Both of my clients in this case have been very brave, very courageous, because they're willing to testify under oath to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help them God. And they're doing so because it's in the interests of justice for them to do that. So I admire them. I honor them and I'm very pleased to be able to represent them."

Harvey Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His Lead Defense Attorney, Donna Rotunno, has argued that the media spectacle surrounding the case will make it hard for him to get a fair trial, saying “We're going to continue to press on and remind everyone that in this great country, you are innocent until proven guilty and no evidence has yet been presented to a court or a jury, a trier of any fact. And that is why we are here to start this trial."

The legal proceedings are expected to be long and complicated. Jury selection is due to begin on Tuesday and that alone could take several weeks, as lawyers question potential jurors for any signs of bias.