January 1, Mel Gibson to Testify at Harvey Weinstein Trial

Mel Gibson has been approved to testify at disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault trial, according to the Associated Press.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lisa B. Lench ruled that the Academy Award winner can testify on behalf of his friend, referred to in court as Jane Doe #3, a masseuse who has accused Weinstein of sexual battery by restraint.

Weinstein’s legal team had argued that if Gibson does testify, the defense should be permitted to cross-examine him regarding publicized antisemitic and racist remarks he’s made in the past.

The judge said she would allow questions about a potential personal bias against Weinstein, but that a wider discussion of Gibson’s alleged racism was not relevant to the proceedings.

Weinstein attorney Mark Werksman argued that Gibson was biased against his client because he’s Jewish, and also because he published a book that criticized the depiction of Jewish people in Gibson’s 2004 film, “The Passion of the Christ.”

“Any evidence of Mr. Gibson’s racism or antisemitism would give rise to a bias against my client, who challenged him,” Werksman said.

The trial, which began on Oct. 10, is expected to last eight weeks. Weinstein is already serving a 23-year sentence for rape and sexual assault in New York.

Opening statements are slated to start on Oct. 24.