Harvey Weinstein retrial NYC sex crimes Labor Day

Harvey Weinstein to be retried after Labor Day as judge schedules new trial. Disgraced film mogul appeared in Manhattan court.

Harvey Weinstein is set to face a retrial "sometime after Labor Day," as confirmed by a judge on Wednesday. This comes after the disgraced film mogul made his first appearance in a Manhattan courtroom since his rape conviction was overturned by the New York Court of Appeals.

Weinstein arrived at Manhattan Supreme Court in a wheelchair, dressed in a suit. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has expressed its intention to retry Weinstein if the accusers are willing to participate in another trial.

The spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated, "At the Manhattan D.A.'s Office, our Special Victims Division works tirelessly to prioritize survivors, amplify their voices, and pursue justice for these heinous crimes. Our focus is on prioritizing the experiences and well-being of survivors in every decision we make, which will guide us as we navigate the next steps in this case."

Weinstein, aged 72, had been moved to Rikers Island and then to the New York City jail medical unit at Bellevue Hospital Center in preparation for his court appearance, according to his spokesperson.

"We are cautiously optimistic and ready for a trial, if necessary," said his spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer. "With fewer charges and a fairer legal process, we are hopeful for a just outcome. Every individual has the right to due process, and we are pleased that the Appeals Court recognized this."

The original trial and conviction stemmed from a damning New York Times article in October 2017, revealing that Weinstein had settled with multiple women who accused him of sexual misconduct. This led to a wave of allegations from women sharing similar experiences, sparking the #MeToo movement that exposed sexual misconduct by high-profile figures.

Weinstein was arrested on May 25, 2018, and faced charges of first- and third-degree rape and first-degree criminal sex act. Prosecutors argued that Weinstein abused his power in the film industry to coerce aspiring actresses into unwanted sexual encounters in exchange for career opportunities.

In February 2020, Weinstein was convicted of criminal sexual assault and third-degree rape but acquitted of the most serious charges. The New York Court of Appeals overturned his conviction, citing errors in admitting testimony of uncharged prior sexual acts.

Weinstein also faces sex offense convictions in Los Angeles and a 16-year prison sentence. His lawyers are preparing an appeal in that case, due by May 20.

Share With Others