Harvey Weinstein Faces New Sexual Assault Charges
Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced former Hollywood mogul, has pleaded not guilty to a new sexual assault charge. This latest indictment comes as he awaits a retrial on charges related to his 2020 rape conviction in New York.
The New Charge
Weinstein was arraigned on a charge of criminal sexual act in the first degree, stemming from a recent grand jury indictment. The charge involves forcibly engaging in oral or anal sex with another person and carries a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison.
Retrial on Previous Charges
Weinstein is also facing a retrial on charges related to his 2020 rape conviction. The retrial was tentatively scheduled for November, but prosecutors have indicated they may not be ready at that time.
Health Concerns
Weinstein appeared in court in a wheelchair, as he has for all prior court appearances, due to recent health issues. He underwent emergency heart surgery last Monday and has been hospitalized since.
Accuser’s Statement
The new charge stems from a Jane Doe accuser, who has not shared her story publicly before. Her lawyer, Lindsay Goldbrum, stated that she will be fully prepared to speak her truth at trial.
Motion to Consolidate Indictments
Prosecutors are seeking to consolidate the new indictment with the original indictment, while Weinstein’s defense attorney is arguing for separate trials. A decision on this motion will be made on October 2.
Hospitalization and Rikers Island
Due to his medical condition, Weinstein was granted a stay at Bellevue Hospital’s prison ward instead of Rikers Island. His attorneys argued that his health could not be properly monitored at Rikers Island.
Overturned 2020 Conviction
Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction was overturned in April due to the inclusion of evidence relating to uncharged sex crimes. A seven-judge panel of the state Courts of Appeals found that this evidence was improperly admitted.
Impact of Overturned Conviction
The overturned conviction prevented Weinstein from testifying in his defense, as the allegations dated back decades. In California, such evidence is allowed, but in New York, it’s only admissible when it’s necessary to provide history on a defendant’s motive, intent, or common scheme.
Remaining Convictions
Weinstein’s remaining convictions stem solely from Jane Doe No. 1, who has come forward as former Russian model Evgeniya Chernyshova. He was found guilty of three counts in a Los Angeles trial but acquitted of other charges.
Accuser’s Statement
Jessica Mann, one of the women who brought claims against Weinstein in the 2020 trial, has indicated that she will return to face him in court.
Harvey Weinstein continues to face legal challenges as he awaits a retrial and faces a new sexual assault charge. The outcome of these cases will have significant implications for the ongoing conversation about sexual misconduct and the power dynamics within the entertainment industry.
