Italian model Ambra Battilana has accused Hollywood bigwig, Harvey Weinstein, with serious charges of sexual advancement without consent. (Photo : Instagram/Ambra Battilana )
In a dramatic turn of events, the movie mogul Harvey Weinstein has not denied the sexual allegations raised against him by the Italian model Ambra Battilana during a staged telephonic conversation.
Recent report state that NYPD set up a telephonic sting operation in which Winstein did not deny groping the model's breasts. The taped call was made from Battilana to Weinstein during which she convinced him to meet at a restaurant at the Tribeca Grand Hotel. Their meeting was held under the observation of NYPD after which he spoke to the police voluntarily.
"He didn't deny doing what she said he did to her," the source told The New York Daily News, in reference to the taped call. "The content of the phone call, there's no question about what he did."
Weinstein has not been charged with any crime as of now. Battilana has accused the "Shakespeare In Love" hit maker of touching her inappropriately and asking for a kiss at a business meeting on Friday at the director's office. According to the complaint filed, the model reacted strongly and left the building immediately, after which she contacted a friend and reported the matter to police.
CCTV footage of the building shows Battilana leaving the building within half an hour while speaking on a phone. Weinstein has not been charged with any crime as of now. However, if the allegations are proved in the court, Weinstein could face misdemeanor charges of forcible touching or sexual abuse.
Meanwhile, Weinstein's camp has claimed that the groping allegation raised by the Italian model is nothing but a blackmail attempt. It is still not clear as how and why the identity of the sex crime victim became public.
Battilana was also one of the key witnesses of the infamous trial of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in 2013 for his alleged involvement in orgy session with underage girls. According to her statement, she was unknowingly one of the invitees at the sex soiree but refused to take part in the activities once she realised the purpose of the party.
