New York City, New York – Film mogul Harvey Weinstein was hospitalized upon his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling that overturned his 2020 rape conviction. Weinstein’s attorney, Arthur L. Aidala, disclosed that the New York City Department of Correction determined Weinstein needed immediate medical attention and is undergoing a series of tests while being observed at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan.
According to Frank Dwyer, a spokesperson for the New York City Department of Correction, and Thomas Mailey, a spokesperson for the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Weinstein remains in custody at Bellevue Hospital after being transferred pursuant to the appeals ruling.
The New York Court of Appeals nullified Weinstein’s conviction, stating that the trial judge erred by allowing testimony on allegations not included in the charges and by permitting questions about Weinstein’s past behavior. Weinstein is scheduled to appear in a Manhattan courtroom for a hearing on Wednesday, his first appearance since the conviction was overturned.
The district attorney’s office has expressed intent to pursue a retrial, using the same indictment but excluding charges for which Weinstein was previously acquitted. Weinstein is currently serving a sentence in a separate case in California. Experts believe that a potential retrial may not take place anytime soon, as it depends on the willingness of witnesses to testify again.
With the possibility of a retrial looming, former Manhattan federal prosecutor Joshua Naftalis suggested that a resolution, such as a plea deal, might be sought to avoid subjecting accusers to the trauma of a second trial. Northwestern University professor Deborah Tuerkheimer emphasized the importance of the women’s willingness to testify again in deciding whether a retrial will proceed.
Miriam Haley, one of the women Weinstein was convicted of assaulting, is considering testifying again at a retrial. Haley, also known as Mimi Haleyi, recounted her experience of being sexually assaulted by Weinstein in 2006. In response to the decision, New York Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the importance of creating a safe environment for women to come forward with allegations of abuse.
As discussions and preparations for a potential retrial continue, the focus remains on ensuring justice for all parties involved while safeguarding the integrity of the legal process.