Disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein made a courtroom appearance in New York on Wednesday, his first since his 2020 rape conviction was overturned. Weinstein, who was in a wheelchair, entered the packed courtroom amid a crowd of journalists, lawyers, and officials, according to Variety.
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Present in the courtroom were lawyer Gloria Allred and Weinstein accuser Jessica Mann. Nicole Blumberg, a prosecutor from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, stated their intention to pursue a retrial in the fall. Blumberg conveyed Mann’s resolve, saying, “[Mann] wants everyone to know the truth, and the defendant may have power and privilege, but she has the truth.” She expressed a strong belief in securing a conviction in the retrial.
Weinstein’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, voiced his client’s desire for a speedy trial and expressed confidence in an acquittal. Judge Curtis Farber mentioned that the new trial is slated to occur sometime after Labor Day.
The decision for a retrial follows last week’s ruling by the New York State Court of Appeals. The court decided that the original judge in the trial had prejudiced Weinstein with inappropriate rulings, notably allowing testimony about allegations that were not formally charged in the case.
In light of the overturned conviction, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office confirmed its pursuit of a retrial. Meanwhile, Weinstein’s legal team is also challenging his conviction in Los Angeles, which they believe may be compromised following the developments in New York.
Weinstein, previously held at Mohawk Correctional Facility in Rome, N.Y., was transferred to Bellevue Hospital over the weekend due to health issues. Aidala noted Weinstein’s various health problems but affirmed his mental competency to participate in his defense.
A discovery hearing has been set for May 29, as the legal proceedings continue to unfold. Weinstein, found guilty in February 2020 of criminal sexual assault in the first degree and rape in the third degree, was originally sentenced to 23 years in prison but was acquitted of three other charges, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
