Harvey Weinstein's Rape Retrial Begins in New York Courtroom

Harvey Weinstein's retrial on rape and sexual assault charges has begun in Manhattan after his 2020 conviction was overturned by New York’s highest state appeals court, which found that testimony from women whose claims were not part of the charges should not have been admitted. The retrial features three accusers—two who say Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on them in 2006 and another who alleges he raped her in 2013—with the prosecution arguing that Weinstein used his power in Hollywood to exploit and silence women. Opening statements were delivered to a jury of seven women and five men, reflecting a quieter atmosphere and less media attention compared to the highly publicized original trial during the peak of the #MeToo movement. The retrial is expected to last about six weeks, and Weinstein continues to deny all allegations, maintaining his not guilty plea. Legal experts and advocates view this retrial as a significant moment for accountability in sex abuse cases, even as public and media fervor has waned since the movement first gained momentum. If convicted again, Weinstein, who is in poor health, risks spending the rest of his life in prison.