Harvey Weinstein gets new trial after conviction overturned

Washington (US), July 20: A tentative date has been set for a new trial for Harvey Weinstein in New York City, marking a significant development in the former Hollywood mogul’s legal saga after his 2020 rape conviction was overturned.

During a hearing held Friday, Judge Curtis Farber estimated that jury selection for Weinstein’s sexual assault trial could begin on Nov. 12, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

This comes after Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg indicated he would retry Weinstein after his previous conviction was overturned in April.

During the hearing, Weinstein’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, reiterated his client’s innocence and pushed for an earlier trial date, citing Weinstein’s deteriorating health while in custody at Rikers Island, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Aidala said Weinstein is “suffering tremendously” and stressed the urgency of an earlier trial date. She had originally requested September.

During the original trial in February 2020, Weinstein was convicted of first-degree sexual assault and third-degree rape, based on the testimonies of Miriam Haley and Jessica Mann, respectively.

However, Weinstein was acquitted of other charges and sentenced to 23 years in prison.

After his conviction was overturned earlier this year, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing justice, raising the possibility of new charges against Weinstein as more women have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse.

Weinstein’s legal battle extends beyond New York: In 2022, he was convicted by a Los Angeles jury on charges related to former Russian model Evgeniya Chernyshova, better known as Jane Doe No. 1.

Weinstein has since appealed his 16-year prison sentence in that case.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the New York review of the lawsuit is expected to be closely watched given the high-profile nature of the case and its broader implications for the #MeToo movement.

As the trial continues, Weinstein remains a central figure in ongoing discussions about accountability and justice in sexual abuse cases.

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