New trial against Weinstein for sexual assault possible in November
The new process against former film mogul Harvey Weinstein for sexual assault could potentially start in New York this fall from the perspective of the Manhattan district attorney. A realistic timeline would be November, responded Deputy District Attorney Nicole Blumberg in a hearing on Tuesday in response to a related question from Judge Curtis Farber. However, they have not yet been able to present their findings to a grand jury, as investigations are not yet complete.
They cannot say when it will be ready, Blumberg admitted. Her office is currently examining rape allegations against Weinstein that fall within the statute of limitations. Some alleged victims, who did not come forward during the first New York trial, have indicated that they are now ready to testify, the prosecutor added.
Weinstein's attorney Arthur Aidala called the investigations a delaying tactic. We had already been proceeding with the first rape case before this, he declared, with his wheelchair-bound client sitting next to him. Blumberg denied this. Instead, we are making good progress, she said - and referred to the prosecution's planned autumn trial start.
Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in prison in 2020 for rape and sexual assault in New York. However, the New York State Supreme Court overturned the judgment in April because the judge inadmissibly admitted evidence against Weinstein that was based on statements from women not involved in the case. Weinstein was also sentenced to 16 years in prison in Los Angeles in 2022 in another rape case. He is currently serving a sentence in California. Weinstein maintains that he always had consensual sex with women.
The potential revival of charges against Harvey Weinstein for past assaults is reliant on the examination of new rape allegations within the statute of limitations. This renewed process could see victims who withheld testimony during the initial trial stepping forward, as indicated by the prosecutor. Despite the ongoing investigations, a tentative trial commencement is projected for November, as suggested by Deputy District Attorney Nicole Blumberg.
