LOS ANGELES, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- In response to a series of sexual misconduct scandals rocking Hollywood, the District Attorney in western U.S. County of Los Angeles Thursday announced the creation of a special task force to deal with the allegations.
According to the office's press release, District Attorney Jackie Lacey said she has established a task force composed of specially trained deputy district attorneys who are ready to evaluate these cases.
"I have assigned the group of veteran sex crimes prosecutors to work together to ensure a uniformed approach to the legal review and possible prosecution of any case that meets both the legal and factual standards for criminal prosecution," said the district attorney.
"To date, we have not received any cases from law enforcement for possible criminal filing," said Lacey, adding that communication is going on with the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills police departments.
The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating at least two allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and one against "Gossip Girl" actor Ed Westwick. The Beverly Hills Police Department is also investigating Weinstein and Hollywood director James Toback.
Hollywood was startled after a bombshell story about Weinstein was exposed in early October, disclosing his 30-year pattern of sexual harassment and workplace intimidation against young female stars and employees. After Weinstein, Westwick, Toback, actor Kevin Spacey, film-maker Brett Ratner and Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman have swirled into the troubles among others.
