Weinstein attorney: McGowan's rape allegations ' a bold lie'

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A lawyer for Harvey Weinstein says actress Rose McGowan's claims of rape against the former Hollywood producer are "a bold lie."

Attorney Ben Brafman says in a statement Tuesday that McGowan is trying to "smear" Weinstein to promote her new book "Brave."

McGowan details her allegations against Weinstein in the memoir released Tuesday. Scores of women have publicly accused Weinstein of sexual harassment or assault.

Brafman says Weinstein denies McGowan's claims. The attorney also cites correspondence from "two witnesses" to corroborate his client's position: Entertainment manager Jill Messick and Oscar winner Ben Affleck.

The statement released through crisis management firm Sitrick & Co. also included several photos of McGowan looking cordial with Weinstein at an industry event years ago.

Representatives for McGowan and Affleck did not immediately respond to requests for comment.