Harvey Weinstein Faces Retrial in Manhattan on Rape and Sexual Assault Charges

Harvey Weinstein is back in a Manhattan courtroom to face rape and sexual assault charges, one year after his 2020 conviction was overturned by a state appeals court.

The retrial began Tuesday, with jury selection marking the start of proceedings. Weinstein, 73, faces one count of rape and two counts of criminal sexual acts, with Superior Court Justice Curtis Farber presiding.

Weinstein, the former Miramax studio co-founder and once a powerful figure in Hollywood, has pleaded not guilty. He continues to deny all allegations, claiming that all sexual encounters were consensual.

Charges Stem From High-Profile Accusations

The charges involve former production assistant Mimi Haleyi, who alleges Weinstein assaulted her in 2006, and aspiring actress Jessica Mann, who accuses him of raping her in 2013.

These charges were part of the original 2020 trial. The retrial also includes a new accusation from an unidentified woman, who alleges Weinstein assaulted her at a Manhattan hotel in 2006.

Haleyi and Mann previously testified during the 2020 proceedings.

Lindsay Goldbrum, representing the unnamed woman in the new charge, stated outside the courtroom, “She had the honor of representing an incredible woman,” adding that the survivors “are going to ensure Weinstein is held accountable for his heinous crimes against women.”

Appeals Court Cited Trial Errors

In April 2024, a New York state appeals court overturned Weinstein’s 2020 conviction and ordered a new trial.

The court found it unlawful that the jury had been allowed to hear testimonies from women who accused Weinstein of assaults unrelated to the formal charges.

This decision, passed by a narrow four-to-three vote, dealt a significant blow to many involved in the #MeToo movement, who viewed the original conviction as a landmark achievement.

Trial Expected to Last Six Weeks

Justice Farber told the court he anticipates the trial will run five to six weeks. He hopes to conclude proceedings by the end of May.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys are currently questioning a pool of Manhattan residents to select 12 jurors. Some prospective jurors admitted they felt unable to be impartial due to prior knowledge of the case.

Weinstein, wheeled into court in a dark blue suit, adjusted his tie as he took his seat at the defense table.

The start of this retrial represents a return to the spotlight for a case that had once symbolized the momentum of the #MeToo movement.

Health and Custody Status

Weinstein’s physical health has reportedly deteriorated since his incarceration. In September, he underwent emergency heart surgery after being rushed to the hospital.

His representatives have claimed he is receiving inadequate medical care at Rikers Island, where he remains in custody.

Despite the retrial, Weinstein’s legal troubles continue. He was convicted in California in 2023 for raping and assaulting a European actor, and sentenced to 16 years in prison.

That sentence remains pending, meaning Weinstein is likely to remain behind bars regardless of the outcome in New York.

Defense Argues for Fresh Perspective

Weinstein’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, expressed hopes that the retrial would be evaluated independently of public sentiment. “It’ll be very, very different because of the attitude of New York City, New York state and, I think, the overall country,” Aidala said.

Referring to the atmosphere during the original trial, he noted, “Five years ago, when you guys were here, there were protests. There were people chanting: ‘Fry Harvey, he’s a rapist’… I think that, overall, has died down.”

Aidala also shared that Weinstein is suffering from serious medical conditions, including an infection in his mouth and throat, which is affecting his ability to speak and communicate with his defense team.

Key Witnesses Expected to Return

Despite the emotional toll, the three women at the heart of the charges — Haleyi, Mann, and the newly identified accuser — are expected to testify once again. Their decision to return to court has been described as an act of bravery.

Weinstein’s reputation took a global hit after investigative reports from the New York Times and The New Yorker in 2017 exposed allegations from numerous women.

These reports helped spark the #MeToo movement, leading more than 100 women to come forward with accusations, including celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Lupita Nyong’o, and Ashley Judd.

The Original Conviction and Its Reversal

In 2020, Weinstein was found guilty by a New York jury on two out of five counts, specifically the sexual assault of Haleyi and the rape of Mann. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison.

However, the appeals court decision to vacate that conviction opened the door for the current retrial.

Outside the courthouse, one woman summed up the tension in the air as she remarked, “I’m going on jury duty — I hope I don’t get that (trial),” while smoking a cigarette.

As the retrial unfolds, public scrutiny remains high, and the court will once again weigh the evidence against one of the most infamous figures in modern Hollywood history.