NEW YORK (RTWNews) — Harvey Weinstein returns to court Thursday, seeking to get his latest sex crime conviction overturned due to reported tensions and anger among jurors during deliberations earlier this year. This latest move highlights the complexities of Weinstein's ongoing legal battles, which have spanned over seven years and encompassed trials in multiple states.
Weinstein, convicted last spring of forcing oral sex on one woman while being acquitted of similar allegations from another, is currently facing the possibility of a retrial concerning a rape charge linked to a third woman. His attorneys assert that procedural errors and juror misconduct during deliberations compromised the fairness of his trial.
As the #MeToo movement gained momentum in 2017, allegations against Weinstein came to the forefront, prompting multiple inquiries and legal proceedings. The disgraced mogul has consistently denied all accusations of non-consensual sexual acts.
During the previous trial, juror dynamics became a point of concern as some members reported feeling intimidated, leading to a volatile deliberation process. Jurors alleged that discussions were fraught with tension, which some say could have influenced the final verdict.
Weinstein's legal team is urging the judge to either dismiss the conviction entirely or at least hold a hearing regarding the jury's behavior. Meanwhile, prosecutors have expressed their intent to retry the unresolved rape charge if necessary.
The judge is expected to make a ruling soon, which could potentially alter the trajectory of Weinstein's ongoing appeals and legal challenges amidst the backdrop of an evolving judicial landscape surrounding sexual misconduct cases.
