Weinstein's many accusers follow trial anxiously from afar

Harvey Weinstein's sexual assault trial has unfolded this month in a 15th-floor courtroom in New York, but its reverberations are being felt far beyond, as his many accusers anxiously await the outcome.

They wonder how the disgraced mogul's wealth and power might affect the verdict. They wince at the way fellow accusers have been treated while testifying. They recoil at the painfully familiar descriptions of Weinstein's behavior. And they wonder if they will ever see justice done.

The former Hollywood studio boss insists that all of his sexual encounters were consensual, and the defense has portrayed the accusers who have testified as willing partners in a transactional exchange: Weinstein wanted sex, while they wanted to get ahead in the entertainment industry. The defense attacks have been so visceral at times that one woman broke down on the stand this week, unable to continue.

As they follow the trial from afar, some of Weinstein's accusers — those whose stories will never reach a courtroom, because of statutes of limitation — have spoken to The Associated Press about the mix of emotions they are feeling: hope, that Weinstein will be punished; fear, that he could be acquitted and regain his kingpin status in the movie business; and relief, that this case and the #MeToo movement it launched have made an indelible impact on society.

“There are many, many women who are waiting to see what happens," said Erika Rosenbaum, who is following the trial from her home in Canada.

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HOPING FOR JUSTICE

For Louisette Geiss, only one ending to the Weinstein saga will bring real closure: jail time.

"Otherwise, it will simply be like pulling off a scab," the Los Angeles-based Geiss said of watching the trial unfold. “And it will send a signal to all predators: 'You're...