The Harvey Weinstein Trial: A Brief Timeline Of How We Got Here

Updated at 1:45 p.m. ET

Editor's note: This report includes descriptions of sexual assault.

This was never inevitable.

For much of Harvey Weinstein's career, dark rumors of sexual assault and harassment tailed the Hollywood megaproducer. But they were rarely spoken with much volume. Only in recent years did the allegations gather the heft and momentum that culminated in this: a teeming courtroom in Manhattan where, in a matter of weeks, a judge might send Weinstein to prison for the rest of his life.

Opening statements start Wednesday in Weinstein's criminal trial. He has pleaded not guilty to the multiple sexual assault and rape charges he faces in New York state, and he has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, casting these encounters as entirely consensual.

So what led to this?

While scores of women have accused Weinstein of crimes dating back decades — ranging from intimidation to rape — this timeline focuses on the incidents cited in criminal cases against him in Manhattan and, more recently, in Los Angeles, and the swell of popular momentum that helped drive prosecutors to press charges.

Timeline

Winter 1993-94: Weinstein allegedly rapes Annabella Sciorra

The actress, perhaps best known, says Weinstein raped her at her Manhattan apartment after an industry dinner. She says the producer dropped her off, only to reappear at her door and force his way inside.