Harvey Weinstein’s Rape Conviction Was Overturned by the New York Court of Appeals

Harvey WeinsteinThe 2020 rape conviction was overturned.

The New York State Court of Appeals made the decision on Thursday, April 25, saying the judge in the trial had prejudiced Weinstein, 72, with “egregious” improper rulings, including the decision to allow women to testify about allegations , where this was not part of the case.

“We conclude that the trial court erred in allowing testimony regarding unindicted, alleged prior sexual conduct against individuals other than the plaintiffs of the underlying offenses,” the court’s decision states Associated Press. “The solution to these egregious errors is to try again.”

The court’s majority asserted that it was “an abuse of judicial discretion to allow uncorroborated allegations that are merely bad conduct that destroys a defendant’s character but does not shed light on his credibility in the context of the charges against him.” the criminal charges brought against him.”

Judge Madeline Singasexplained that the majority “glossed over the facts to fit a he-said/she-said narrative.” She also said the appeals court was continuing a “disturbing trend of overturning jury guilty verdicts in sexual violence cases.”

Lawyer Douglas H. Wigdorwho represented eight of Weinstein’s victims released a statement Us weeklyIt says: “Today’s decision is a major step backwards in holding accountable those held responsible for acts of sexual violence.” Courts routinely admit evidence of other unaccused acts when they do so Helping jurors understand issues related to the defendant’s intent, course of action, or plan. The jury was informed of the relevance of this statement and the overturning of the verdict is tragic in that it will force another trial on the victims.”

The disgraced film producer is currently serving a 23-year sentence in a New York prison after being convicted of criminal sexual conduct for forcing a former production assistant to perform oral sex Miriam Haley in 2006 and third-degree rape for an incident involving Jessica Mann in 2013. Weinstein was acquitted of predatory sexual assault, which could have resulted in a life sentence.

Weinstein did not testify at the trial but pleaded not guilty. He continues to protest his innocence, saying the encounters were consensual.

Despite Thursday’s legal update, Weinstein remains imprisoned as he was sentenced to 16 years in prison in Los Angeles in 2022 on other rape charges. (He was acquitted in Los Angeles of charges against one of the women who testified in New York.)

“I maintain that I am innocent,” he said in February 2023. “I never raped or sexually assaulted Jane Doe No. 1.” I have never known this woman, and the fact is that she does not know me. This is about money.”

Weinstein’s accuser testified that she “wanted to die” after her alleged encounter with him. “It was disgusting. It was humiliating, miserable. I didn’t fight,” a woman identified as Jane Doe No. 1 told the court. “I remember him looking in the mirror and telling me, I “I should look at him. I wish that had never happened to me.”

Several women came forward in 2017 as part of the #MeToo movement and accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. After the scandal Georgina Chapman ended her marriage to Weinstein after almost 10 years. (The former couple shares daughter India, 13, and son Dashiell, 10. Weinstein is also father to daughters Lily, 29, Emma, ​​26, and Ruth, 21, with his first wife, Eve Chilton.)

“It was difficult because the first article was about a time long before I ever met him, so for a moment I couldn’t make an informed decision. And then the stories expanded and I realized this wasn’t an isolated incident,” said Chapman, who is currently dating her Adrien Brodytold Fashion in May 2018. “And I knew I had to step back and get the kids out of here.”

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).