Eric Weinberg: 'Scrubs' writer and producer ordered to stand trial on 28 counts of rape & sexual assault

Eric Weinberg, a writer and producer known for his work on the television series Scrubs, has been ordered to stand trial on 28 counts of rape and sexual battery, according to court records. This decision, made by Judge Charlaine Olmedo of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, follows a preliminary hearing that extended from late April to early May, featuring testimony from several women.

Weinberg is set to be arraigned on June 4 at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles, with no trial date set as of Wednesday (May 23). Initially charged in October 2022, prosecutors accused Weinberg of luring young women to photo shoots and sexually assaulting at least five of them between 2014 and 2019.

Prosecutors said in 2014, Weinberg approached two women in public, claiming to be a photographer, and later assaulted them at his home. This pattern continued in 2017, 2018, and 2019, with additional allegations of sexual assault. In 2022, George Gascón, the Los Angeles County district attorney, said that Weinberg relied on his "Hollywood credentials" to lure women.

Gascón said: "Power and influence can corrupt some to hurt others, leading to a lifetime of trauma for those who are victimised." Initially facing 32 charges, including sexual battery, rape, forcible oral copulation, sexual penetration with force, and assault with intent, Weinberg pleaded not guilty. Four charges were dismissed on Tuesday (may 22) due to insufficient evidence.

According to New York Times, prosecutors and Weinberg's lawyer, Robin Sax, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, Micha Liberty, representing women in civil cases against Weinberg, expressed anticipation for justice, praising those who "bravely testified" despite the emotional trauma of confronting Weinberg.

Following his July 2022 arrest on multiple sexual assault charges, numerous potential victims came forward, prompting his continued incarceration since October 2022 after his $5 million bail was revoked.

Weinberg's arrest took place amid the entertainment industry's reckoning with the #MeToo movement, encouraging many to speak out against sexual misconduct. The Los Angeles Police Department's 2022 statement highlighted that Weinberg targeted women in their 20s and 30s in public places, posing as a photographer before assaulting them during photo shoots.

Besides “Scrubs,” Weinberg’s credits include writing and producing for “Californication” and “Politically Incorrect,” hosted by Bill Maher, as listed on IMDb.