NEW YORK – Former Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein faces a third trial for alleged sex crimes as jury selection commences this week in a Manhattan courtroom. Weinstein, once a powerful figure in the entertainment industry, is accused of sexually assaulting three women.
This trial follows Weinstein’s previous convictions in 2020 for two felony sex crimes in New York and three counts in California two years later. However, an appeals court overturned his New York conviction due to improper testimony, leading to a retrial ordered by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
The upcoming trial will involve testimonies from two alleged victims, former actress Jessica Mann and producer Miriam “Mimi” Haley, along with a third accuser who came forward in 2021. This new accuser claims Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex in a hotel in 2006.
Weinstein, 73, who has been undergoing treatment for bone marrow cancer, appeared in court using a wheelchair but remained engaged during the pre-trial hearing, interacting with the judge and legal team. Jury selection is expected to last five days as Judge Curtis Farber seeks impartial jurors familiar with the allegations against Weinstein.
Despite his ongoing legal battles and appeals, Weinstein faces a tarnished reputation as numerous women have accused him of sexual misconduct, leading to civil litigation and professional repercussions. The #MeToo movement gained traction following exposés in 2017 by The New York Times and The New Yorker, leading to Weinstein’s downfall and expulsion from The Weinstein Company.
Weinstein’s trial serves as a pivotal moment in the reckoning of powerful figures in the entertainment industry and highlights the ongoing battle for justice and accountability amidst allegations of abuse of power and influence. As the legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains on Weinstein and the multitude of women who have come forward with their stories.