The judge overseeing the criminal trial against Harvey Weinstein has been asked by the parties to close the courtroom during an upcoming evidence hearing over concerns the material discussed could prejudice the disgraced movie producer’s right to a fair trial.

On April 17, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice James Burke alerted news media that both sides had requested the courtroom be closed to the public during the court’s review of Molineux and Sandoval evidence scheduled for April 26.