President Donald Trump's controversial Supreme Court pick was approved by senators on Saturday in highly unusual scenes where protesters heckled from the Senate's public gallery as politicians cast votes.

His confirmation came after Dr Christine Blasey Ford accused him of a historic sexual assault, and two other claims of misconduct.

Mira Sorvino, one of the actresses to accuse disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment expressed her fears Mr Kavanaugh will help protect the president from any potential legal action.

While fellow actress Alyssa Milano, who helped spark the MeToo movement by encouraging victims to tweet about their harassment or abuse, said she was "terrified and outraged".

Reese Witherspoon said she "can't wait for November" - adding the blue wave symbol for a vast victory for the Democrats.

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres praised Dr Ford and vowed to continue her "movement".

Unsurprisingly, Mr Trump took a very different tone, tweeting to "applaud and congratulate" the Senate's confirmation of his "great nominee".

Democrats vehemently opposed Mr Kavanaugh, arguing he was a threat to the Roe v Wade ruling, which guarantees the right to abortion.

They also fear he will argue that a sitting president cannot be indicted if prosecutors investigating Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia attempt to pursue him in court.

The hurdle for Mr Kavanaugh's nomination came when Dr Ford accused him of drunkenly sexually assaulting her at a high school gathering in 1982.

Two further women came forward with sexual misconduct allegations dating back to the same decade.

Fifty senators voted in favour, with 48 against, to appoint 53-year-old Mr Kavanaugh to the court for life.

Australian Associated Press