The trial of Eric Weinberg, a former television executive and producer known for his work on the series "Scrubs," began Thursday in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Weinberg faces more than 20 counts of sexual assault and abuse brought by seven women, with alleged incidents occurring between 2014 and 2019.

During opening statements, prosecutors presented graphic photographs taken during the alleged assaults at Weinberg’s Los Feliz home, which was used to lure the victims under the guise of a professional photo shoot. The women, who have been identified in court by their first names or as Jane Does in filings, accuse Weinberg of forcibly engaging in sexual acts ranging from unwanted touching to oral copulation and other forms of abuse. Prosecutors claimed Weinberg used his Hollywood industry connections and his image as a devoted father to gain the victims’ trust.

Deputy District Attorney Ariel Anson described one accuser’s experience, stating that after an assault in 2019, the woman refrained from showering for three days to preserve physical evidence before reporting to police. Another accuser’s 911 call detailing her immediate distress after leaving Weinberg’s residence was played for the jury. Authorities allege Weinberg exploited his reputation and personal stories, including fabrications about his children’s school, to manipulate his victims.

Weinberg was initially arrested in August 2022 on charges including rape, forcible oral copulation, sexual battery, false imprisonment, assault likely to cause great bodily harm, and sexual penetration by a foreign object. Prosecutors have noted that dozens more women came forward after the arrest, some of whom are expected to testify.

In contrast, Weinberg’s defense attorney, Phil Cohen, acknowledged his client’s behavior as inappropriate, describing him as a "creep" but argued that the actions did not legally constitute sexual assault. Cohen emphasized that Weinberg did not deny the depicted encounters but maintained they were consensual or at least lacked the requisite force or threat for criminal charges. He challenged the prosecution’s characterization of the encounters as predatory, suggesting instead that Weinberg’s conduct reflected poor social skills rather than criminal intent.

The defense also pointed to the photos shown in court, asserting they supported consent and mutual engagement rather than victimization. Cohen highlighted a lack of physical resistance or attempts to escape in the evidence, arguing this undercut claims of coercion or force. He further suggested that some accusers may have come forward primarily out of concern over potential blackmail or financial incentives.

Prosecutors countered that the power imbalance and fear of retaliation suppressed resistance, noting that several victims indicated prior trauma and apprehension. Court documents also describe Weinberg coercing victims to encourage others to participate in photo sessions, perpetuating his alleged pattern of abuse.

The trial, which resumed after more than four years since Weinberg’s initial arrest, continues as the jury weighs the evidence presented amid starkly contrasting narratives from the prosecution and defense.