NEW YORK, NY – After New York’s highest court overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction, the former Hollywood mogul finds himself back in Rikers Island jail, awaiting his upcoming court appearance. Weinstein, 72, had been serving a 23-year sentence at Mohawk Correctional Facility before being transferred to Rikers in New York City for medical reasons.
His conviction stemmed from charges of forcibly performing oral sex on a production assistant in 2006 and the rape of an aspiring actress in 2013. Despite the conviction being overturned due to prejudicial rulings during the trial, Weinstein remains in prison after a separate conviction for rape in Los Angeles in 2022, where he was acquitted of sexual battery.
Following the decision by the New York Court of Appeals to overturn his conviction, Weinstein is set to appear in Manhattan Criminal Court next Wednesday before Judge Curtis Farber. The court’s ruling cited improper testimony and a lack of material purpose, leading to the ultimate decision to overturn the conviction.
Despite the setback, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office remains committed to retrying the case and supporting survivors of sexual assault. The office reaffirmed its dedication to prioritizing survivor wellbeing and experiences throughout the legal process.
Weinstein, once a powerful figure in Hollywood, now faces legal challenges on multiple fronts as he continues to fight legal battles in both New York and Los Angeles. The complexity of the case underscores the ongoing cultural reckoning surrounding sexual misconduct and abuse in the entertainment industry.