Jury selection has begun for the retrial of Harvey Weinstein, the former Hollywood producer accused of rape and sexual assault in New York. The trial comes one year after his 2020 conviction was overturned. Weinstein, who denies all charges, faces one count of rape and two counts of unlawful sexual acts in this case.
Weinstein’s 2020 trial, which resulted in a 23-year prison sentence, was seen as a landmark moment for the global #MeToo movement. However, a New York appeals court overturned the conviction last year, citing judicial errors, and ordered a new trial.
In addition to the current allegations, Weinstein is now confronting a new charge tied to an alleged assault of a woman in 2006. The disgraced producer, who uses a wheelchair in court due to health issues, remains incarcerated. Over 100 women have accused him of sexual misconduct, though he has consistently denied any non-consensual acts.
The retrial has reignited public scrutiny over sexual abuse cases in Hollywood and the judicial system’s response to the #MeToo era. Prosecutors aim to secure another conviction by presenting victim testimonies and fresh evidence. Meanwhile, Weinstein’s defense team argues he is the victim of a media-driven “trial by publicity.”
The jury selection, conducted under heightened security, could take weeks. The outcome will not only determine Weinstein’s fate but also set a precedent for how similar high-profile cases are handled in the future.
Reuters