NY jury finds Harvey Weinstein guilty of lead sexual misconduct charge in MeToo movements resurgent trial
Title: Harvey Weinstein's Retrial: A Mixed Verdict in LA, Manhattan Jury's Ongoing Deliberations
Gavin BlackburnAP Twitter Linkedin Email
After a landmark moment for the #MeToo movement in 2020, disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein found himself back in the courtroom for a long-awaited retrial in Los Angeles.
The jury, composed of seven females and five males, finally delivered a verdict in December 2022, but it was a mixed bag.
Weinstein, the former Hollywood studio boss, was found guilty of raping one of his accusers, Miriam Haley, in 2006. However, the jury could not reach a unanimous decision on the second criminal sex act charge against Kaja Sokola the same year.
The split verdict came after another allegation of rape against another woman in 2013 was sent back for further deliberations.
Under New York's legal system, a third-degree rape charge carries a less severe penalty than a first-degree criminal sex act offence, such as the one Weinstein was charged with in relation to Haley.
Incidentally, this retrial followed Weinstein's 2021 acquittal of two counts of predatory sexual assault in New York, after his initial conviction in 2020 was overturned.
Weinstein, 73, still vehemently denies any wrongdoing.
During jury deliberations, tensions ran high, as one juror requested to be excused on account of another being treated unfairly. The jury also asked to revisit Jessica Mann's testimony that Weinstein raped her in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013.
One potential complication arose during deliberations, as the jury foreperson reported feeling bullied and expressed concerns for his safety. Despite these concerns, the jury proceeded with its discussions and wrapped up the day with further examination of Mann's testimony.
The #MeToo movement, launched in 2017, saw the rise of numerous allegations of sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry, with Weinstein at the forefront. His conviction in 2020 signified a turning point in the movement's mission to address and eradicate harassment and assault.
To stay informed about the latest developments in Weinstein's case, check credible news outlets for updates on sentencing and potential retrials related to the charges that the jury was deadlocked on.
- Harvey Weinstein
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- As the ongoing deliberations continue in Harvey Weinstein's retrial, recent developments in the case have included discussions about revisiting Jessica Mann's testimony and addressing concerns from one juror about being bullied.
- Amidst the general-news landscape, politics and crime-and-justice intertwined in the ongoing retrial of disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, whose trial has become a significant issue for the #MeToo movement.