Defense counsel for Harvey Weinstein questions credibility of whistleblowers in closing argument: "Could they possibly be deceitful?"
In the recent trial, the high-stakes showdown for film producer Harvey Weinstein, 73, wrapped up in Manhattan on Tuesday, with closing arguments from both the prosecution and defense lawyers.
Weinstein is facing accusations of raping an actress and assaulting two women in what the prosecution has described as a pattern of misconduct where Weinstein, the co-founder of Miramax, wielded his power and influence to lure victims and silence them. Weinstein, despite dealing with numerous health issues, was present throughout the trial, navigating a wheelchair.
Arthur Aidala, Weinstein's lead attorney, delivered his closing arguments against the opposing side, represented by Manhattan District Attorney's Office prosecutors, led by Alvin Bragg.
Aidala's Savage Takedown: "Cirque du Soleil" Antics
In an attempt to discredit the accusers—Miriam Haley, Jessica Mann, and Kaja Sokola—Aidala clowned their accounts, likening their stories to a twisted game of Twister and denying the allegations of non-consensual sex. Mimicking accusers' breakdowns, alterations in gaits, and sharing anecdotes, Aidala seemingly convinced Weinstein of their supposed lack of credibility.
"They've had problems with depression, bulimia, alcohol, suicide attempts, and say they've been victims of other sexual abuses... Do you believe they're not capable of lying in this situation?" Aidala posed to the jury. "They're lying about what happened. Not about everything, but just enough to turn their regret, the remorse of their buyers, into a crime," Aidala claimed.
The Hollywood Fling: A Mutually Beneficial Arrangement?
Aidala repeatedly argued that the relationships the accusers shared with Weinstein were "friends with benefits", constantly consentual, and suggested that this type of encounter is common in Hollywood. Allegedly, years later the accusers sought revenge, incentivized by the #MeToo movement, seeking financial gain since their careers didn't take off and because their dreams were shattered, according to the lawyer.
Interestingly, during his opening statement on April 23, Aidala told the jury that Weinstein provided his accusers with opportunities like auditions and other chances in the entertainment world.
The prosecutors, led by Alvin Bragg, initially accused Weinstein of sexually assaulting Miriam Haley and raping Jessica Mann, for which he was convicted in the first trial.
#MeToo: A Movement that Elevated Awareness
The #MeToo movement has sparked a global conversation about inappropriate sexual conduct and empowered women to report such cases. Notably, prosecutors presented emails showing a cordial and even friendly communication between the accusers and Weinstein, allegedly years after the incidents. Aidala pointed out inconsistencies in their accounts and referred to each of the plaintiffs individually.
"Only you 12 can revoke [the presumption of innocence]", Aidala emphasized to the jury.
Following the presentation of the defense's closing statements, the prosecution will deliver their arguments and the jury will initiate deliberations and come to a verdict in this new trial against Weinstein, who has also faced over a hundred accusations throughout his career.
Weinstein Behind Bars
Weinstein was handed a 23-year sentence in a New York prison after being found guilty by a jury in 2020. However, the New York Court of Appeals overturned the conviction in April 2024, citing judicial errors, and ordered a new trial. During his imprisonment, Weinstein has reportedly experienced several health issues, including undergoing heart surgery in September 2022. Due to his 16-year sentence for rape in California, the experts predict that Weinstein will likely spend the rest of his life in prison.
Weinstein's alleged criminal actions marked a significant moment for the #MeToo movement, creating a wave of women reporting inappropriate sexual conduct by powerful men and changing the trajectory of the entertainment industry.
Enrichment Data:As of my last update in 2023, Harvey Weinstein has been convicted of rape and sexual assault in New York and California. The defense used several strategies, including questioning the nature of the relationships and challenging the credibility of the accusers. However, the prosecution successfully argued that these tactics did not negate the allegations of non-consensual acts. The accusers' testimonies were instrumental in achieving convictions. The trial is an example of the impact of the #MeToo movement on accountability for sexual assault and harassment in the entertainment industry.
- Despite Aidala's attempts to discredit the accusers by likening their stories to a twisted game of Twister and denying the allegations of non-consensual sex, the prosecution successfully argued that these tactics did not negate the allegations of non-consensual acts by Weinstein.
- The trial of Weinstein, who is facing accusations of rape and assault, is a significant example of the impact of the #MeToo movement on accountability for sexual assault and harassment in the entertainment industry, which commonly involved mutually beneficial, friends with benefits arrangements with celebrities, as Weinstein's lead attorney argued.
