NEW YORK (AP) — Harvey Weinstein is getting ready for his #MeToo retrial, which starts next month. This time, the case includes a new charge from a woman not involved in the first trial.
At a recent hearing, Weinstein’s lawyers argued that the previous trial, which ended in his conviction, is irrelevant now that it has been overturned. They believe the earlier proceedings should not impact this retrial at all. “That trial was declared illegal by the highest court in this state,” said attorney Arthur Aidala.
Last year, New York’s Court of Appeals annulled Weinstein’s conviction, paving the way for the retrial set to begin on April 15 in Manhattan. Prosecutors expect the process to take about five weeks.
During the pretrial hearing, Judge Curtis Farber addressed key issues. He allowed psychologist Dawn Hughes to testify as an expert witness about the psychological impact of sexual assault. Hughes has previous experience, having testified in high-profile cases like those of Amber Heard and R. Kelly.
The judge also agreed with the defense that prosecutors must avoid using the term “survivor” when referring to Weinstein’s accusers, labeling them instead as “complaining witnesses.” This ruling reflects ongoing debates about language and its implications in sexual assault cases.
Weinstein’s previous acquittals on serious charges remain intact, meaning that specific language must be handled carefully during testimony. Judge Farber indicated that while accusers can share their experiences, they should refrain from using certain terms, like “force,” which could steer the jury’s interpretation in a direction the judge wants to avoid.
As this case progresses, public interest remains high, mirroring broader societal conversations about accountability for sexual misconduct. Data from a recent survey showed that 68% of Americans believe that the judicial system inadequately addresses sexual assault cases. This suggests ongoing frustrations in how these cases are handled.
Weinstein, now 72, attended the hearing in a wheelchair, highlighting the physical toll of recent health issues, including cancer and heart problems. He has expressed anxiety about the trial’s delay and the conditions he’s facing at Rikers Island jail.
The allegations this retrial centers on include incidents where Weinstein is accused of forced sexual acts from 2006 and 2013. The additional charge involves a different woman coming forward shortly before the initial trial began, illustrating the complicated web of accusations surrounding Weinstein.
The prosecution aims to unify all charges into one trial. However, Weinstein’s defense has claimed that the delay in raising the new charge is prejudicial. This complicated landscape reflects ongoing discussions about the legal system’s responsiveness to victims of sexual violence.
For more on this evolving story, visit the latest updates on legal perspectives and social media reactions surrounding the case.
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Source linkHarvey Weinstein, Manhattan, Legal proceedings, Amber Heard, Crime, Curtis Farber, Johnny Depp, Trials, Indictments, Courts, MeToo, General news, CA State Wire, New York City Wire, NY State Wire, James M. Burke, Entertainment, Dawn Hughes, Sexual assault, Arthur L. Aidala, U.S. news, R. Kelly
