Harvey Weinstein facing new sexual assault allegations in New York
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(Credits: Alamy)
A few short months after his previous conviction for rape and sexual assault was overturned, the disgraced film industry giant Harvey Weinstein is being investigated for “additional violent sexual assaults” separate from the previous investigation, a Manhattan court has heard.
It was back in 2017 that Weinstein was first formally accused of rape, sexual assault and abuse, with allegations dating back as far 30 years, and spanning over 80 different women in the film industry. Originally, the producer was found guilty of these charges in 2020, and sentenced to 23 years in prison before that case was overturned due to procedural errors.
Although that case was overturned, Weinstein has remained imprisoned as a result of a separate trial in Los Angeles, during which he was found guilty of rape and sexual assault, and sentenced to 16 years behind bars. Now, the former film producer faces further charges in New York, which could lead to further imprisonment.
At a hearing in New York on July 9th, Assistant District Attorney Nicole Blumberg told the court that these fresh allegations fall within the statute of limitations. However, it remains unclear when prosecutors will press these charges against the 72-year-old ex-producer.
Blumberg told the hearing that more women had come forward with allegations since the original trial four years ago. “As we said in 2020, there were women who were not ready to proceed with the legal process. Some of those women are now ready to proceed,” she said. Over 80 women accused Weinstein of rape, assault or abuse in the wake of the MeToo movement, but more survivors have come forward following the producer’s various trials.
In opposition, Weinstein’s legal team, fronted by Arthur Aidala, accused the allegations of being exploitative, untrue, and an attempt to further damage the reputation of the disgraced film industry mogul. “Once again we have a hotline: 1-800 Get Harvey,” Aidala said, before adding that his client was suffering a variety of medical issues while imprisoned in solitary confinement.
The retrial is due to take place at some point after Labor Day in America, which occurs on September 2nd, but no definite date has been set at current. According to Ms Blumberg, it is likely the trial will not take place until late Autumn.
This is a developing story.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
