Harvey Weinstein denies Mimi Haleyi claims in the trial court

NEW YORK: Harvey Weinstein has denied Mimi Haleyi claims who  said her 12-inch pooch Peanut scared off the disgraced  Hollywood producer when he barged into their home.  

Weinstein denied the  claims that he was terrified of a pet Chihuahua as he left his rape trial on Tuesday.

During a light moment in proceedings dominated by uncomfortable testimony, the roommate of one of Weinstein´s accusers recalled how her pet pooch had chased him around their apartment.

Elizabeth Entin told the  court that Mimi Haleyi, who accuses Weinstein of forcibly performing oral sex on her in 2006, called her and said "something weird had happened."

"She said Harvey Weinstein showed up at our apartment and pushed his way in. I was a little startled and asked what happened?" said Entin.

"Apparently my Chihuahua Peanut was chasing him and he was a little scared. He was like, ´What is this thing? Get it away from me,´" she added.

As the "Pulp Fiction" producer shuffled out of the New York courtroom using a walking aid, a waiting reporter shouted out, "Mr Weinstein, are you afraid of Chihuahuas?"

A grinning Weinstein laughed and replied, "Do I look like I´m afraid of Chihuahuas?"

More than 80 women have accused the ex-Miramax Films boss of sexual assault since allegations against him first ignited the #MeToo movement in October 2017.

But he faces charges related to just two women: Haleyi, and actress Jessica Mann, who says Weinstein raped her in 2013.

Weinstein, 67, faces life in prison if convicted of the most serious charges against him, those of predatory sexual assault.