Both sides want Weinstein hearing closed to press, public

Both sides in Harvey Weinsteins sexual assault case want the press and the public barred from the disgraced movie moguls next court appearance.

Prosecutors argue the April 26 hearing should be closed to protect Weinsteins right to a fair trial and for the privacy of women whose allegations against him arent part of the underlying criminal case.

Prosecutors want the women to testify at Weinsteins June 3 trial to show hes had a pattern of violating women. They also expect to discuss evidence that could be used against Weinstein if he testifies.

Weinsteins lawyers say press coverage of the hearing could taint the jury pool. Weinstein denies all allegations of nonconsensual sex.

News organizations say theyll fight to keep the hearing open. A judge says hell hear from them before deciding.