Weinstein prosecutors seek retrial after rape conviction overturned
US prosecutors plan to retry Harvey Weinstein after his 2020 conviction for rape was overturned in New York.
Harvey Weinstein in court on 1 May 2024. Pic: AP
The disgraced movie mogul, who was jailed in 2020, appeared in a Manhattan court for the first time since that conviction was overturned by an appeals court last week.
A retrial could happen as soon as September.
“We believe in this case and will be retrying this case,” prosecutor Nicole Blumberg said.
In April, the state’s highest court ruled that Weinstein did not receive a fair trial – finding the hearing was prejudiced by “egregious” improper rulings by the judge, including a decision to let women testify about allegations that were not part of the case.
Jessica Mann leaves court after the hearing. Pic: AP
Just days after the landmark #MeToo ruling was overturned, he was taken to hospital, with his lawyer Arthur Aidala describing him as “somewhat of a train wreck health-wise” but still “sharp as a tack” mentally.
Weinstein, 72, has had cardiac issues, diabetes, sleep apnoea and eye problems for some time.
He was seated in a wheelchair at the preliminary hearing on Wednesday.
Weinstein had been serving a 23-year sentence after being convicted of sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haley in 2006 and raping former aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013 following the landmark 2020 trial in New York.
He remains behind bars as he was also convicted in Los Angeles in 2022 of another rape. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison for that crime, and is also appealing against this conviction.
Mimi Haley’s lawyer Gloria Allred holding a sign before speaking to reporters outside court. Pic: Reuters
Ms Blumberg told the judge that Ms Mann, who was in court, is prepared to testify again and has said she wants everyone to know that the defendant “may have power” but “she has the truth”.
Ms Haley’s lawyer, Gloria Allred, told reporters that her client has not decided whether she will give evidence a second time, as she found the experience traumatising.
Once considered the most powerful man in Hollywood, the first allegations against Weinstein emerged in 2017.
Dozens of women then came forward claiming he bullied, pressured, coerced, or overpowered them while demanding sexual favours.
Gwyneth Paltrow, Salma Hayek, and Lupita Nyong’o all accused him of sexual harassment, while actresses Asia Argento and Rose McGowan were among others who accused him of rape.
They are among more than 80 women who have accused him of sexual misconduct.
He was also accused of reaching settlements to keep the stories quiet.
Weinstein had admitted his behaviour had “caused a lot of pain”, but has maintained his innocence throughout, saying any sexual activity was consensual.