Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced filmmaker, made another court appearance.
Weinstein has been accused of multiple counts of sexual assault, including two previous convictions for third-degree rape and sexual assault. These convictions were later overturned by the New York State Court of Appeals after it was determined that the judge in the landmark 2020 trial had prejudiced Weinstein with improper rulings.
Dressed in a deep navy suit, a blue tie, and a white button-up shirt, Weinstein arrived at the courthouse in a wheelchair, his wrist cuffed to the armrest. An American flag pin adorned his suit’s lapel.
As in recent appearances, Weinstein was bald, with noticeable bags under his eyes and an unshaven face.
Following the overturning of the New York decision, Weinstein’s legal team launched a similar appeal in Los Angeles. They argued in a brief that a judge had violated “his constitutional rights to present a defense and led to a miscarriage of justice.”
The accuser has admitted to fears of testifying and the prospect of re-experiencing her ordeal, yet she declared: “For the sake of keeping going and doing the right thing and because it is what happened, I would consider it.”
In response to these concerns, prosecutors have urged the judge to remind Weinstein’s legal team to refrain from discussing or disparaging any witnesses prior to the retrial.
Weinstein and his defense maintain their stance, denying all allegations of wrongdoing. While his New York conviction was overturned, Weinstein still faces a 16-year sentence from a California court.
Originally, Weinstein received a 23-year prison term in New York, but this could be subject to change pending the outcome of a new trial.
