To the new edition of his historical process of sexual crimes Harvey Weinstein arrived in a court in New York. The once powerful film producer appeared in a blue suit and with a blue tie in front of the court in Manhattan, as can be seen in photos. He also wore a pin that showed the US flag.
A series of allegations against Harvey Weinstein for serious sexual assault in 2017 had significantly got the worldwide metoo movement. The historical guilty of rape and sexual coercion from 2020 was collected last year due to procedural errors.
“The only evidence against the accused was the applicants’ statements,” said the reasoning of the Court of Appeal. The additional witnesses had illegally shaped the image of Weinstein in front of the jury.
Three main witnesses
In the first days of the procedure, the jury should now be selected. After that, negotiations are being made again in Manhattan about the allegations of two women: the once powerful filmmogul («pulp fiction», «gangs of new York») In 2006, the production assistant Mimi Haleyi was said to have forced to oral sex and raped the actress Jessica Mann in 2013. But the indictment added another third case: Another woman accuses Weinstein of forcing her to have sexual acts.
The opening plea is expected to follow on April 22nd. The procedure could extend over five weeks. Weinstein has always rejected any guilt. His lawyers emphasize that the sexual contacts were mutually acceptable.
Initial spark for Metoo
The accusations against Harvey Weinstein are considered the initial spark of the global metoo movement. From 2017, over 80 women came to the public and accused the former Hollywood mogul of misused his position for sexual assault.
The condemnation in 2020 to 23 years in prison for rape and sexual coercion was widely celebrated as a social breakthrough – not least because the statements of the women concerned were sufficient despite the lack of tangible evidence to convince the jury. Even the United Nations spoke of a “turning point” in the global fight against violence against women.
The subsequent cancellation of the judgment caused masking supporters among metoo supporters. However, despite the legal turn, the cultural change triggered by the case with progress in strengthening women’s rights applies unbroken from the perspective of experts.
Freeches remain
In the new procedure, some previous testimonies may not be repeated, including those of women who were not officially part of the indictment. Terms such as “survivors” or “violence” are prohibited – judge Curtis Farber wants to make the process more objective.
The acquittals from the first process are not renegotiated, including the most serious allegations such as the “predatory attack”. Despite the overturned judgment and even with an acquittal in New York, Weinstein will be detained: in 2023 he was convicted of another 16 years in Los Angeles in a separate procedure.
Weinstein’s state of health is considered bad. He suffers from high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes-and finally a leukemia disease was reported. He was moved from prison to hospitals several times. The 73-year-old sees the process as a way to wash his name in.
© dpa-Infocom, dpa: 250415-930-442697/2
