Former Hollywood star producer Harvey Weinstein appeared in court in New York on Wednesday. A first since the resounding annulment of one of his convictions for rape and sexual assault. The former all-powerful producer 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 that he has returned to justice after the annulment last Thursday of his sentence to 23 years in prison in New York in 2020. He smiled and greeted his supporters when he entered the courtroom.
“We believe in this file”
“We believe in this case, which is why Jessica Mann”, one of the accusers, “is here today”, immediately launched the 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. 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 “painted 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.
Mimi Haley announced Friday that she plans to testify again if a second trial takes place in New York.