An important pre-trial hearing in Harvey Weinstein's sexual assault case could play out behind closed doors if a US judge rules against news organisations fighting to keep the courtroom open.
Both the prosecution and defence have asked Friday's hearing, which will deal with trial strategy and potential witnesses, be held in secret.
Prosecutors say they want to protect Weinstein's right to a fair trial and shield the identities of women who've accused the ex-movie mogul of wrongdoing.
Weinstein's lawyers say news coverage could taint the jury pool.
Lawyers for the news organisations, including The Associated Press and The New York Times, are due to appear before Judge James Burke and argue the sides haven't met the legal standard for banning the media and public.
If Burke decides to keep the courtroom closed, the media lawyers will likely ask that Weinstein's pre-trial hearing be delayed so they may appeal.
Weinstein is charged with raping a female acquaintance in his Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and performing a forcible sex act on a different woman in 2006.
Weinstein, 67, has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex. He pleaded not guilty and is free on $US1 million bail.
He is expected to attend Friday's hearing, which will focus on a prosecution request to have some of his dozens of other accusers testify. Prosecutors want to show Weinstein has had a history of violating women.
Suburban Philadelphia prosecutors used that strategy last year in convicting actor and comedian Bill Cosby at his sexual assault retrial.
Australian Associated Press
