Prosecutors retry Harvey Weinstein following appeals court overturning NY rape conviction

Disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein to be retried following overturned conviction, Manhattan prosecutors announce, with survivor Jessica Mann showing support.

New York City - Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced film producer, is set to face a retrial as early as this fall after his rape and sexual assault conviction was overturned, according to Manhattan prosecutors. The decision was made during a hearing at Manhattan Supreme Court attended by Weinstein and Jessica Mann, one of the women he was previously found guilty of attacking.

Assistant District Attorney Nicole Blumberg announced the decision, stating that they believe in the case and will be retrying it. She emphasized the presence of Jessica Mann in court, highlighting her bravery and determination to seek justice despite Weinstein's power and privilege. Weinstein, who appeared in court in a wheelchair, continues to maintain his innocence, with his attorney, Arthur Aidala, stating that he is fully participating in his defense.

The judge set a date for the parties to return to court on May 29, with the trial expected to begin after Labor Day. Gloria Allred, representing another woman attacked by Weinstein, Miriam Haley, is still deciding whether to participate in the retrial. Allred acknowledged the difficulty of reliving traumatic experiences through the legal process.

Weinstein, who is currently serving a 23-year sentence in New York for previous convictions, faced another trial in California in December 2022, resulting in a 16-year sentence. The recent overturning of his New York conviction by the Court of Appeals was based on procedural errors during the trial, leading to the exclusion of certain evidence.

The fall of Harvey Weinstein, once a powerful figure in Hollywood, came after numerous allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced in 2017. The #MeToo movement gained momentum as more than 80 women came forward with accusations against him, sparking a broader conversation about workplace sexual abuse and harassment.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg expressed confidence in securing a conviction despite the limitations imposed by the appeals court decision. The retrial of Weinstein will be closely watched as the legal battle continues to unfold.

Share With Others