The FBI has opened an investigation into the ever-mounting allegations of sexual assault against Harvey Weinstein, the Daily Mail reported Wednesday.
According to the outlet, the probe came at the request of President Donald Trump’s Justice Department and Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
The Daily Mail reports:
While it is unknown whether the DOJ order came directly from Sessions, the move is likely to be seen in a political light given Weinstein’s friendship with Trump foe Hillary Clinton.
The move by the DOJ came amid rumors that Weinstein has plans to head to Europe for sex rehab – leading to fears of a Roman Polanski-style situation where he dodges prosecution in the U.S.
The FBI can both look at whether he has committed any federal crimes in the U.S. and prepare extradition proceedings if he remains in Europe.
Among the allegations against Weinstein, which the FBI is expected to examine, is that he forced Lucia Evans, a student who wanted to be an actress, to perform oral sex on him in New York in 2004.
New York State has no statute of limitations on rape and criminal sexual acts.
The report came on the heels of the release of explosive audio, part of a 10-month investigation by journalist Ronan Farrow, from a 2015 New York Police Department sting operation into Weinstein. The disgraced movie mogul is reportedly heard in the audio admitting to groping model Ambra Battilana Gutierrez as he pressures her to enter his hotel room.
Farrow’s report also includes new accounts from three women who allege that Weinstein forced them to perform or receive oral sex and forced vaginal sex.
Last week, a New York Times exposé alleged that Weinstein committed decades of sexual harassment and reached financial settlements with at least eight different women.
Follow Jerome Hudson on Twitter @jeromeehudson
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