What's happened
Prosecutors in New York are investigating new allegations of violent sexual assaults against Harvey Weinstein, following the overturning of his 2020 rape conviction. Assistant District Attorney Nicole Blumberg stated that the additional assaults allegedly committed by Weinstein are still within the statute of limitations. The retrial, initially set for September, is now expected to take place in November. Weinstein's lawyer, Arthur Aidala, criticized the delay, suggesting it was a tactic by the prosecution. Weinstein, who has denied all allegations of non-consensual encounters, remains in custody.
What's behind the headline?
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, prosecutors are investigating 'additional violent sexual assaults' allegedly committed by Weinstein. The Independent's Ariana Baio reported that Weinstein's lawyer accused prosecutors of deliberately delaying the new trial. Business Insider UK's Laura Italiano noted that at least one woman has come forward with new accusations. The New York Times' Hurubie Meko highlighted that some women who were not ready to testify in 2020 may now be willing to do so. Al Jazeera and The Guardian both emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation and the anticipated November retrial.
How we got here
Harvey Weinstein, a former Hollywood film mogul, was found guilty in 2020 of rape and sexual assault, marking a significant moment for the #MeToo movement. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison. However, in April 2024, the New York Court of Appeals overturned his conviction, citing improper rulings during the trial. This decision has led to a renewed investigation into additional allegations against Weinstein. Over 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct, making his case one of the most high-profile in recent history.
Go deeper
- What led to the overturning of Weinstein's conviction?
- How are prosecutors handling the new allegations?
- What impact could the retrial have on the #MeToo movement?
Common question
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Harvey Weinstein is an American former film producer and convicted sex offender. He and his brother Bob Weinstein co-founded the entertainment company Miramax, which produced successful independent films including Sex, Lies, and Videotape, The Crying Game
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New York is a state in the Northeastern United States. New York was one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States. With more than 19 million residents in 2019, it is the fourth-most-populous state.