Former Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has formally pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault charges.
The cases involve two women in New York. One complainant, who has accused Weinstein of rape, has not been identified publicly. The other accuser, former actress Lucia Evans, has gone public with her account of Weinstein carrying out a sexual assault in 2004.
Weinstein could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted of either offence.
The disgraced producer has been accused of sexual misconduct by over 70 women across numerous incidents spanning back decades. The accusations gave rise to the #MeToo movement.
Weinstein insisted via his lawyer that he has never had non-consensual sex.
He faces additional investigations in Los Angeles, London, and by the US federal government.
His lawyer, Ben Brafman, said: "We are going to file a series of legal motions that will get us more information and may impact the process, and if we are successful there may not be a trial - and if there is a trial we will proceed expeditiously and vigorously to try and clear Mr Weinstein's name."
Brafman, who previously argued that the high-profile nature of the case and #MeToo movement placed unfair political pressure on prosecutors to secure a conviction, added: "As terrible as the crime of rape is, it is equally reprehensible to be falsely accused."
Weinstein is currently free on $1m bail and is wearing a GPS tracker.
