Harvey Weinstein: Newly rolled process begins in New York

Harvey Weinstein (73) has to answer again in court. A newly rolled out process against the former film mogul started on April 15 with the selection of the jury.

Among other things, the responsible judge Curtis J. Farber asked whether the candidates were able to consider a case fair and impartially a case in which “accusations of criminal sexual acts and rape” and “reported a lot in the news”. He did not mention Weinstein’s name, but several dozen people did not see themselves able to do so or declined due to schedule. Less than 50 people were initially left of more than 140 candidates.

The judge expects the trial against the Weinstein present, which was sitting in a wheelchair, will last until the end of May or early June. Arthur Aidala, the 73-year-old’s lawyer, explained that the opening plea could be expected on Wednesday or Thursday. Weinstein is “careful that the jury, if all evidence is available, will come to the conclusion that all of his relationships were mutually acceptable and that he is therefore not spoken guilty”.

AIDALA also confirmed media reports that according to which Weinstein was still in health: “Harvey has to struggle with all possible physical complaints, with all possible health problems.” Only recently that Weinstein is currently not in prison in Rikers Island in New York City – but, as in the past, treated in the Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan.

Weinstein’s case had triggered the worldwide #Metoo debate. More than 80 women accused him of sexual attacks. He was initially convicted of sex crimes in New York and California. However, his conviction for rape from 2020 and a 23-year sentence had been lifted due to proceedings. Since he was sentenced to a further 16 years in prison in a separate procedure in Los Angeles in 2023, he continues to sit in prison despite the resumption procedure. Weinstein denies the offenses.