Appeal court won’t stop secret Weinstein hearing

NEW YORK (AP) – An appeals judge has declined to halt a pretrial hearing being held behind closed doors in Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault case.

Media lawyers made the request for an emergency stay Friday after the judge in Weinstein’s case ordered the New York courtroom closed to protect the movie mogul’s right to a fair trial.

While allowing the hearing to proceed, Appellate Division Justice Jeffrey Oing did grant news organizations an expedited appeal and ordered parties to file briefs by Wednesday.

Both the prosecution and defense asked to hold Friday’s hearing behind closed doors because in involves sensitive matters, such as the names of women who have accused Weinstein of violating them.

The news organizations want access to a transcript of the hearing and to related documents that were filed under seal.