Disgraced former Hollywood magistrate Harvey Weinstein returned to New York court on Wednesday to begin a retrial as a prosecutor and defence lawyer We had the discussion at the beginning.
Weinstein, 73, has been charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of three rape, all involving different accusers. He had health problems and entered court in a wheelchair.
Prosecutors reviewed accusations of first-degree criminal sexual conduct in 2006, particularly sexual assault on former television production assistant Miriam Haley, and three-time rape involving actress Jessica Mann in 2013.
Both charges formed the basis for Weinstein’s 2020 New York trial, resulting in his conviction and 23 years in prison, marking milestones in the #MeToo movement.
However, when the conviction was overturned by the New York Court of Appeals last year, the appeal judge falsely admitted to testifying at trial of “previously bad conduct” against a woman who was not a petitioner, but testified that Weinstein testified that he was prone to commit such conduct.
Weinstein faces new charges of criminal sexual activity in 2006 against accused identified as former Polish model and actress Kaja Sokola, who accused Weinstein of sexually assaulting her at the age of 16. Mann, Haley and Sokora agreed to be identified.
Prosecutor Shannon Lucy told the Manhattan Court ju judge that Weinstein used his immense strength and status in Hollywood to embark on a woman’s career, seducing her into the room and preying on women who were sexually abused.
Weinstein’s defense attorney, Arthur Idara, told the ju judge that his client had a “mutually beneficial” relationship with the accuser, and that he helped them with career opportunities.
The former entertainment magistrate pleaded not guilty to all charges. His fate is decided by the Juju judge, which consists of seven women and five men.
Earlier this week, Weinstein was given permission to stay at Bellevue Hospital when he was not in court.
He continues to serve the 16-year sentence, which was taken over by Los Angeles Court in 2023 after being convicted of rape an actress in 2013.
(tagstotranslate) Must read the US
