In a recent interview with CNN, Italian model Ambra Battilana Gutierrez opened up about her ongoing search for justice and the alleged efforts to silence her after she reported being assaulted by then-movie mogul Harvey Weinstein in 2015. Battilana Gutierrez, who has become a prominent figure in the Weinstein saga, highlighted chilling parallels between her experience and the hush-money payment conspiracy discussed during former President Donald Trump's trial.

Battilana Gutierrez recalls being targeted by the National Enquirer, owned by American Media Inc., in a "catch-and-kill" strategy after reporting that Weinstein had groped her during a casting meeting. She revealed that the tabloid offered her $150,000 to buy her story, but she declined, emphasizing that she wanted to trust someone and tell her story on her terms.

However, Battilana Gutierrez soon found herself smeared on the front pages of tabloid magazines, accused of being untruthful and labeled as a prostitute due to her modeling career. She lamented the media's destructive impact on her life, claiming that they aimed to discredit her because she refused to be silenced or receive monetary compensation.

The National Enquirer's role in silencing stories also came to light during Trump's trial. David Pecker, who oversaw American Media Inc., testified to buying and suppressing negative stories to help Trump's presidential campaign. Battilana Gutierrez wondered if Pecker would have commented on her own case had he been questioned in relation to the Harvey Weinstein trial.

Not only did Battilana Gutierrez face attempts to silence her from the tabloid media, but she also alleged that lawyers for Weinstein offered her up to $1 million to sign a non-disclosure agreement when they learned she was trying to come forward with her allegations. Despite the escalating sums, Battilana Gutierrez turned down every offer.

Ultimately, fearing for her family's safety, Battilana Gutierrez signed a non-disclosure agreement with Weinstein's legal team. She reveals that her brother in Italy was approached by strangers inquiring about her, leaving her concerned for their safety.

Weinstein's spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, stated that Battilana Gutierrez's lawyers controlled the terms of the meetings and did not specifically address the alleged joint efforts between Weinstein, Pecker, and The National Enquirer to silence her and spread negative stories about her.

With Weinstein's recent overturned conviction in New York and continued media coverage, Battilana Gutierrez believes it is important to speak out despite the disregarded non-disclosure agreement. She emphasizes the significance of sharing her truth and shedding light on the failures of the criminal justice system and the treatment of victims.

Since the initial reporting in 2017 that led to Weinstein's downfall, he has been charged, convicted, and sentenced for sex crimes. Although his convictions in New York have been overturned, he remains in prison in Los Angeles, serving a 16-year sentence for rape and sexual assault.

As Battilana Gutierrez continues her fight for justice, the revelations surrounding her alleged silencing tactics serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by victims seeking accountability in the criminal justice system.