Harvey Weinstein’s Manhattan sex crimes retrial is set to begin, with three accusers scheduled to testify against the disgraced movie mogul. The trial, which is expected to last over a month, will feature witnesses Miriam “Mimi” Haley and Jessica Mann, who will recount their experiences of being sexually assaulted by Weinstein. A third woman, who has not been publicly identified, will also testify that Weinstein forced her into oral sex at a Manhattan hotel in 2006.
Weinstein’s conviction in 2020 was overturned on appeal, leading to a retrial where the three accusers will once again confront him. The former Miramax head had previously been sentenced to 23 years in prison after a trial where prosecutors alleged that Weinstein preyed on vulnerable women seeking to advance their careers. The appeal court overturned the conviction, citing unfair inclusion of additional women’s testimonies who were not part of the charges against Weinstein.
Weinstein was also convicted of rape in California and sentenced to 16 years in prison. He has been accused by over 80 women of sexual misconduct, making him a prominent figure in the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment. Weinstein’s first trial was marked by protests outside the courthouse and public outcry, with his lawyers claiming that the jury was influenced by the intense media attention and pressure.
Weinstein’s defense team has argued that the public sentiment against him during his first trial tainted the jury and affected his right to a fair trial. They believe that the current environment is different, with less public focus on the case due to other pressing issues like stock market crashes and conflicts overseas. The defense also questions if Weinstein will testify in the retrial and asserts that they will focus on the facts and allegations in court.
The Manhattan Supreme Court Justice overseeing the retrial has stated that they will try the case based on the facts and allegations presented. Weinstein faces up to 25 years in prison on two counts of first-degree criminal sexual act and four years on a charge of third-degree rape. His defense is expected to argue that the encounters were consensual, while the prosecution will present evidence to prove otherwise.
The retrial is set to begin with jury selection on Tuesday, with all three accusers expected to share their testimonies against Weinstein. The outcome of the trial will determine the fate of the once-powerful Hollywood producer, who has been at the center of multiple sexual assault allegations. The proceedings will be closely watched to see if Weinstein will be held accountable for his actions or if he will be acquitted once again.
