Harvey Weinstein in court over alleged 2006 sexual assault
Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced and now imprisoned former film producer, pleaded “not guilty” Wednesday, September 18, 2024 in a Manhattan court, where he is to be tried on a new charge of sexual assault. At 72, weakened by health problems, including a recent heart operation, he appeared unshaven and in a wheelchair to hear this indictment.
The new indictment, handed down by a grand jury, concerns an alleged sexual assault of a woman at a hotel in lower Manhattan between April 29 and May 6, 2006. It adds to a long list of charges against Weinstein, who has been accused since 2017 of harassment, sexual assault or rape by more than 80 women, including internationally renowned actresses such as Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ashley Judd.
A blow to the #MeToo movement
The new case comes as Weinstein’s initial 2020 conviction for the rape of actress Jessica Mann and the sexual assault of production assistant Mimi Haleyi was overturned in April by a New York appeals court. The reversal was seen as a blow to the #MeToo movement, which had gained momentum following the initial allegations against the former powerhouse producer.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg praised the victim's courage in coming forward, allowing the new indictment to be filed. However, Weinstein's attorney, Arthur Aidala, said he was unclear about the charge, noting that the events date back nearly two decades.
A second trial to come
The date for the retrial has not yet been set, although November 12 has been mentioned. However, the judge considered this deadline unrealistic and a procedural hearing has been scheduled for October 2.
Weinstein, who is currently serving a 16-year prison sentence at Rikers Island following his 2023 conviction in Los Angeles on other rape charges, continues to insist that all of his relationships were consensual. Despite the overturning of his 2020 conviction, the former Hollywood tycoon remains behind bars, with the promise of a new trial and key testimony expected from Jessica Mann, one of his main accusers.
Harvey Weinstein, once dubbed the "movie ogre," now appears a shadow of his former self, physically weakened but still determined to deny the accusations against him. The looming trial will be a new ordeal for the victims and the #MeToo movement, whose legal battle continues more than six years after the first revelations.
