Harvey Weinstein was charged on Monday in Los Angeles with rape and sexual assault in relation to two separate incidents over a two-day period in 2013.
The charges against the disgraced movie mogul came just as his high-profile sex crimes trial opened in New York.
According to the charge sheet, Weinstein on February 18, 2013, allegedly went to a hotel in the Los Angeles area and raped a woman after pushing his way into her hotel.
The next day, he allegedly assaulted a woman at a hotel suite in Beverly Hills.
"We believe the evidence will show that the defendant used his power and influence to gain access to his victims and then commit violent crimes against them," Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey said in a statement.
"I want to commend the victims who have come forward and bravely recounted what happened to them," she added. "It is my hope that all victims of sexual violence find strength and healing as they move forward."
Rosanna Arquette speaks at a news conference outside a Manhattan courthouse after Harvey Weinstein arrived, Monday, 6 January, 2020, in New York. Source: AAP
Harvey Weinstein's , kicking off proceedings key to the #MeToo movement that could see the once-mighty Hollywood producer jailed for life if convicted on charges of predatory sexual assault.
The disgraced movie mogul entered the New York state courthouse looking frail in a dark suit and using a walker, more than two years after a slew of allegations against him triggered waves of outrage over pervasive sexual assault in the workplace, leading to the downfall of dozens of powerful men.
Demonstrators anchored by actresses Rose McGowan and Rosanna Arquette - two of Weinstein's most prominent accusers - gathered outside the Manhattan court wielding signs with slogans like "Justice for survivors."
"Time's up on sexual harassment in all workplaces," Arquette said. "Time's up on empty apologies without consequences. And time's up on the pervasive culture of silence that has enabled abusers like Weinstein."
Weinstein's trial for rape and sexual assault charges will start in New York on Monday. Source: AP
The first day in court was largely technical and lasted just over an hour, with the judge rejecting a defence request that the jury be sequestered.
Weinstein, 67, faces five charges stemming from allegations he raped a woman in 2013 and performed a forcible sex act on another woman in 2006.
The two accusers are set to take the stand during the trial, as well as a third woman who is expected to testify that Weinstein raped her in 1993.
Weinstein, who was arrested in May 2018, has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has been free on bail.
In all, more than 80 women, including A-list stars such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie, have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. He has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex.
Harvey Weinstein attends a New York court last month. Source: AAP
In December, Weinstein and his former film studio reached a tentative $US25 million settlement with 30 accusers, US media reported.
The deal would end nearly all civil lawsuits against Weinstein, who would not have to admit any wrongdoing.
