Weinstein faces new charge ahead of retrial in New York
New York court to decide if Weinstein's charges will be combined for trial
Harvey Weinstein will appear in a New York court on Wednesday for a hearing ahead of his retrial on sex crimes charges linked to his pivotal #MeToo case. Judge Curtis Farber is set to consider a request from prosecutors to combine his current case with a new charge into one trial. The former film producer was already facing a retrial on two charges after the state’s highest court overturned his 2020 conviction earlier this year. In September, another charge was added, accusing him of a new assault. He has pleaded not guilty.
Weinstein’s previous convictions, now overturned, included forcibly performing oral sex on a production assistant in 2006 and third-degree rape of an aspiring actor in 2013. The new charge alleges he forced oral sex on a different woman in a Manhattan hotel in the spring of 2006. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office argues that holding separate trials would be highly inefficient and a waste of judicial resources. According to prosecutors, the cases share substantial similarities, including criminal statutes, witnesses, expert testimony, and documentary evidence.
Weinstein’s legal team insists the cases should remain separate, arguing that prosecutors are trying to broaden the scope of the retrial and turn it into a new proceeding by adding the new charges. Another matter at hand is the tentative start date for his retrial, initially scheduled for November 12. Both defense and prosecution teams have expressed concerns that this date might not allow adequate preparation time.
Disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein has been indicted on new charges by a New York City grand jury.
Weinstein did not appear in court, but will be arraigned after he recovers from medical issues.@ChloeMelas reports more. pic.twitter.com/qkLNeTGmC9
— MSNBC Reports (@MSNBC_reports) September 12, 2024
Weinstein has been held at Rikers Island jail, facing many health issues while incarcerated. In 2022, he was also convicted of rape in Los Angeles, though his lawyers have appealed. The sexual assault and harassment allegations against him significantly fueled the #MeToo movement in 2017. The 72-year-old co-founded film and TV production companies Miramax and The Weinstein Company, producing films like “Shakespeare in Love” and “The Crying Game.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
When is Harvey Weinstein’s next court hearing?
Harvey Weinstein’s next court hearing is on Wednesday.
What will the judge consider during Weinstein’s hearing?
The judge will consider combining Weinstein’s current case with a new charge into one trial.
Why do prosecutors want to combine Weinstein’s cases?
Prosecutors argue that separate trials would be inefficient and a waste of judicial resources.
What new charge has been added against Weinstein?
A new charge alleges Weinstein forced oral sex on a woman in a Manhattan hotel in 2006.
Where is Harvey Weinstein currently being held?
Harvey Weinstein is currently being held at Rikers Island jail.
