A judge in New York on Thursday did not dismiss criminal charges against Harvey Weinstein in his rape and sexual assault cases involving three women.

In addition to denying the motion to dismiss the case, Judge James Burke also denied "evidentiary hearing" requests and set a pretrial hearing for March 7.

"The court finds that the charges presented in the Grand Jury were supported by competent evidence and the proceedings were properly conducted," according to court papers.

Weinstein did not talk to reporters as he arrived at Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday for the brief hearing. Actors Amber Tamblyn, Marisa Tomei, and Kathy Najimy attended the hearing wearing Times Up T-shirts, which they covered up in the courtroom.



Gloria Allred, who is representing one of the victims, Mimi Haleyi, said Weinstein and his lawyers were trying to avoid a criminal trial.

"It appeared to me that they did everything that they could not to have to move forward and not to have him have to stand trial. However, that didn’t happen today," Allred told BuzzFeed News outside the court.

"All of the money poured into this case by the defense and time and effort, did not succeed in helping Mr Weinstein avoid facing trial, avoid facing his accusers," said Allred.

"Mr. Weinstein should have his day in court, but so should the women who are the victims," said Allred, in a press conference after the hearing.



Allred added she hopes other victims will also get the chance to testify in court as they did in the Bill Cosby rape case.



Lisa Borders, the CEO of Times Up, was also present at the courthouse and said, “Today in New York we saw the first steps towards justice ... frankly we are relieved that Mr. Weinstein failed in his efforts to avoid accountability for his actions.”



Borders spoke surrounded by actors in Times Up outfits, and did not take questions.