Harvey Weinstein Faces New Trial as Opening Arguments Commence in New York
In a courtroom in Manhattan, opening arguments are set to begin for the retrial of Harvey Weinstein, the once-powerful film executive. This trial brings renewed focus on charges that Weinstein assaulted three women, including a former production assistant and an actress who testified in his previous trial, alongside a third woman whose identity remains confidential.
Weinstein faces two counts of first-degree criminal sexual act and one count of third-degree rape. His previous New York conviction was overturned by an appeals court, citing the jury’s exposure to “Molineux evidence”—testimonies of alleged misconduct not included in the indictment. This led District Attorney Alvin Bragg to pursue a retrial, incorporating testimony from an additional witness.
With three accusers taking the stand, prosecutors aim to secure a conviction by demonstrating how Weinstein allegedly used his industry influence to engage in non-consensual encounters. Their case will likely be supported by expert testimony on the psychological impact of sexual assault.
The defense intends to focus on discrepancies in the accusers’ narratives. In the 2020 trial, the defense highlighted emails from accuser Jessica Mann that suggested a friendly relationship with Weinstein, aiming to cast doubt on her allegations.
Weinstein’s legal troubles extend beyond New York. In 2022, he was convicted of rape and other sex crimes in California, a verdict he is appealing. If Weinstein chooses to testify in the current trial, prosecutors may question him about his past criminal record, excluding details of the California case.
The #MeToo movement gained momentum with the revelations about Weinstein in 2017, as numerous women accused him of misconduct. Attorney Lindsay Goldbrum, representing a new witness, emphasized the trial’s importance: “I think it’s important that we see justice in this case for all of the women who have come forward against Harvey, not just the ones who have had the opportunity to testify against him.”
A jury comprising 12 New York residents and six alternates was finalized after rigorous questioning. Judge Curtis Farber emphasized the need for an unbiased jury, dismissing many potential jurors who indicated preconceived notions about the case.
As Weinstein battles bone marrow cancer and recovers from recent heart surgery, a judge approved his request to stay at Bellevue Hospital during the trial, rather than remaining at Rikers Island, where he was held pre-trial.
Harvey Weinstein appears in court in Manhattan on Monday, April 21. Michael Nagle/AP
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
