Disgraced former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein is reportedly considering entering a guilty plea to resolve an outstanding third-degree rape charge. This move would allow him to avoid facing a third criminal trial in New York related to allegations that became emblematic of the #MeToo movement.
Court Denies Motion to Overturn Conviction
Weinstein, 73, appeared in a Manhattan court on Thursday, brought before Judge Curtis Farber in a wheelchair and looking noticeably paler than during his last appearance in June. His legal team sought to have his latest sex crime conviction thrown out, citing claims of juror intimidation during deliberations.
Judge Farber denied the motion, stating that while tensions among the jury had spilled into open court, they had not reached the level of intimidation. Two jurors provided sworn statements saying they did not believe Weinstein was guilty but had capitulated due to verbal aggression from other panel members.
"Jurors don't always behave in the manner we'd hope," Farber remarked, adding, "I believe you had a fair trial."
The Charges and Weinstein's Defence
In the recent trial, Weinstein was found guilty of forcing oral sex on production assistant Miriam Haley in 2006. He was cleared of assaulting model Kaja Sokola, also in 2006. The jury failed to reach a verdict on a third charge concerning an alleged 2013 assault on hairstylist and actor Jessica Mann at a Manhattan hotel.
Throughout the proceedings, Weinstein has maintained his innocence. His defence lawyers argued the encounters were "transactional" and "consensual," suggesting the women involved accepted his advances in hopes of furthering their careers.
Addressing the court, Weinstein stated, "I know I was unfaithful, I know I acted wrongly, but I never assaulted anyone." He described his nearly two-year detention at New York's Rikers Island jail as a "slow march toward death," citing unbearable isolation and failing health.
Plea Deal on the Table Ahead of Retrial
Weinstein is currently scheduled for a retrial on the charge involving Jessica Mann in early March. However, Judge Farber indicated he might override prosecutors' demands for that trial if Weinstein agrees to plead guilty.
The disgraced mogul now has two weeks to confirm or reject plea negotiations with prosecutors. His attorney, Arthur Aidala, stated outside court that while his client is "unenthusiastic" about pleading guilty, enduring another trial is "tremendously taxing" on his poor health.
Aidala contended that if his client's name were not Harvey Weinstein, the case would have been resolved long ago, remarking, "To say justice is blind, unfortunately, is not accurate."
Thursday's hearing marks the latest development in a landmark legal saga that has spanned seven years. Weinstein has been tried twice in New York and once in California, where he was sentenced to 16 years in prison. He is also appealing a separate rape conviction in Los Angeles.
