Suspected sex trafficker: Fair trial tough with #MeToo movement

An accused sex trafficker in Illinois is concerned he might not get a fair trial — and he's blaming the #MeToo movement.

Benjamin Biancofiori's lawyer points to the "current climate of heightened media attention" regarding sexual misconduct in her request for a delay in his trial.

Andrea Gambino wrote in her motion filed on Jan. 20 that local and national coverage of suspected predators such as Harvey Weinstein make it challenging to find a pool of "fair and impartial jurors," according to court documents.

"The list of those who have been publically accused of sexual misconduct since Weinstein is long and unfinished," Gambino writes.

Gambino mentions dozens of celebrities and lawmakers in the motion, including James Franco, Paul Haggis, Ben Vereen, Marshall Faulk, Matt Lauer, Charlie Rose, Russell Simmons, Al Franken, Roy Moore, Louis C.K., Steven Seagal, Dustin Hoffman and Kevin Spacey.

A Google search of "male sexual misconduct" produces more than 7,000,000 results, she writes in the motion.

Gambino also notes that the sentencing hearing of Larry Nassar "adds to the heightened sensitivity to" and "passion against" those who have been accused. Nassar, convicted of sexually abusing seven women and accused of molesting at least 160 others, was set to be sentenced later Wednesday.

RELATED: Women come forward with 'Me Too'

"In view of the incredible numbers of participants in the #metoo movement, in combination with the inundation of reporting, it is improbable that Mr. Biancofiori will be able to select jurors that have not been personally and directly impacted by the reporting or their own individual experiences with male sexual misconduct, including verbal abuse, harassment, physical and sexual abuse, sexual assault, and sexual violence, all of which will be a part of the testimony in this case," the motion reads.

Gambino wants more time to properly select an impartial jury. The motion will be heard Thursday, according to the Chicago Tribune. The trial was slated to begin Monday.

Biancofiori, 38, is accused of running a sex trafficking operation from his Naperville home, according to the newspaper. Three alleged victims are expected to testify.