Former Hollywood star producer Harvey Weinstein appeared in New York court on Wednesday for the first time since the resounding overturning of one of his convictions for rape and sexual assault.
This almighty of American cinema, whose behavior towards women had triggered the global shock wave of the #MeToo movement, appeared diminished, pushed on a wheelchair in the courtroom of the Manhattan court.
Still incarcerated, because he was also sentenced in 2023 to 16 years in prison in Los Angeles for rape and sexual assault, this is the first time he has returned to justice after the annulment last Thursday of the conviction to 23 years in prison which he received in New York in 2020.
“We believe in this case, which is why Jessica Mann,” one of the accusers, “is here today,” immediately launched Manhattan prosecutor Nicole Blumberg. “We have every reason to believe that the accused will be found guilty again” during a second trial, added the representative of the public prosecutor.
The annulment of Harvey Weinstein’s conviction in New York was seen as an affront and a step backwards for the #MeToo movement against violence against women because the revelations about Harvey Weinstein in 2017 had caused a global shock wave and his trial had been made a symbol.
The former producer was sentenced to 23 years in prison for the sexual assault of former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and the rape of aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013, after a trial where several other women accusing Harvey Weinstein of similar acts, but who could not be criminally prosecuted, had testified.
However, according to the New York Court of Appeal, testimonies from other alleged victims had been admitted “incorrectly” and had “portrayed a highly prejudicial image” of the accused. According to the court, “the solution to these shocking errors is a new trial.”
The appeals court was divided on the issue, with four judges ruling in favor of the annulment and three against, after a lively debate.
“The court continues to thwart the regular victories for which survivors of sexual violence have fought,” lamented Madeline Singas, one of the judges who spoke out against the annulment. According to her, women “who carry the trauma of sexual violence” have been “forgotten”.
Mimi Haley announced Friday that she plans to testify again if a second trial takes place in New York.
The hearing is being held Wednesday in the same court where Donald Trump is currently being tried in a case of hidden payments to a former porn star during the 2016 presidential campaign.
But the trial of the Republican presidential candidate in November takes place every other day of the week and breaks on Wednesday.
