Weinstein lawyer: Rape accuser had consensual relationship

NEW YORK – Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer says the woman who has accused him of rape in his criminal case was in a decade-long consensual relationship with the film producer that continued after the alleged attack.

Attorney Benjamin Brafman made the remark after meeting behind closed doors with prosecutors and a New York judge Tuesday over defence concerns about whether Weinstein can get a fair trial.

Brafman didn’t identify the woman by name. Neither have prosecutors.

The Associated Press does not identify alleged victims of sexual assaults without their consent.

Brafman called the rape charges “absurd.”

Weinstein was arrested Friday. He has consistently denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex.