This week, Harvey Weinstein pleaded not guilty to charges that he raped one woman and sexually assaulted another. He faces up to 25 years behind bars if convicted.

“However reprehensible the crime of rape is, it is equally reprehensible to falsely accuse someone of rape,” his attorneys told the judge.

Joan Illuzzi, the top prosecutor handling the case, fired back: “It was not the people who went out to the courtroom steps and starting talking about a casting couch, undermining the seriousness of these charges,” she said. “Any denigration of these victims, any playing-down of these victims, is inappropriate.”

More than 80 women have accused the fallen moviemaker of sexual misconduct — including three who came forward last week.