Mel Gibson set to testify against Harvey Weinstein in rape trial

A judge ruled Friday that actor and director Mel Gibson can testify at an upcoming rape trial of disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein.

Weinstein, who is serving 23 years in prison on a two-felony conviction from from early 2020, is facing accusations that he sexually assaulted a woman in 2010. Gibson reportedly learned of the alleged incident shortly after it purportedly occurred. 

Judge Lisa Lench of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County said Gibson could be called by the prosecution as a witness; she further dealt a blow to Weinstein's team by barring his attorneys from asking Gibson about widely publicized antisemitic remarks he made several years ago. 

Weinstein's attorneys further argued that there exists a "feud" between the two filmmakers dating back to disputes over Gibson's movie "The Passion of the Christ." 

Opening trial statements are expected to begin on Oct. 23.