Weinstein gets approval to disclose tape accuser's emails

Harvey Weinstein's attorneys were granted permission by a bankruptcy judge to include 40 emails from an anonymous rape accuser in a motion to dismiss his criminal case.

Judge Mary Walrath allowed Weinstein's lawyers to use the emails, provided that the alleged victim's name and initials are not used in the motion, reported Variety.

Weinstein's attorney, Benjamin Brafman, argued that the emails would show that the Hollywood producer had a friendly, long-term relationship with the woman, lasting for four years after the alleged rape occurred in 2013.

"They are endearing, intimate, pleasant, flattering, friendly emails between her and Mr Weinstein. If the grand jury had these emails, they would not have indicted," Brafman said.

Brafman asked permission to refer to the woman by her initials, which he repeatedly stated are "J M". Lawyer for the committee of unsecured creditors, James Stang, objected to using the woman's initials, saying that would make it easier to discover her identity.

The woman is one of three whose allegations underpin the criminal case against Weinstein. Weinstein faces up to life in prison if convicted.