Jurors reportedly divided in Harvey Weinstein trial deliberations

In the ongoing trial of Harvey Weinstein, jurors in New York appear to be experiencing significant discord as they deliberate his fate regarding sex crime charges. Reports indicate that some jurors have engaged in heated exchanges and have referenced information not presented in the current retrial.

The jury, comprising five men and seven women, has been deliberating for three days over charges of rape and criminal sex acts. Weinstein's previous conviction was annulled last year on appeal.

On Monday morning, the jury foreperson raised concerns in court, stating, "I need to talk to you about a situation which isn't very good." Following this, Weinstein's legal team sought a mistrial, which was denied by the judge as tensions escalated.

The foreperson disclosed that some jurors were attempting to sway others by discussing Weinstein's public history, which is outside the evidence presented at trial. "They are pushing people, talking about his past," the foreperson reported, indicating a lack of consensus among jurors.

In response, Judge Curtis Farber instructed the jury to limit their discussions strictly to the evidence from the trial. He emphasized that deliberations should focus solely on the three crimes charged.

Weinstein was originally convicted in 2020, but that verdict was overturned when an appeals court ruled that he had not received a fair trial due to the inclusion of testimony from women beyond the current charges. Fresh sexual assault charges were filed against him in September.

The complexity of the case has led to heightened caution in the courtroom, particularly concerning allegations from outside the current charges. One juror reported that others had been speaking negatively about a fellow juror, leading to feelings of exclusion and prompting a request for dismissal, which the judge denied.

On Monday, the jury requested that the judge reiterate the concepts of reasonable doubt and deliberation rules, particularly to avoid a hung jury. In New York, if a jury cannot reach a unanimous decision, the judge may issue an Allen charge, urging them to resume deliberations.

As deliberations continued without a verdict, jurors conveyed that they were "making progress" and requested coffee to maintain their energy.

The trial focuses on accusations from three women—a former production assistant, an aspiring actress, and a model—who allege that Weinstein exploited his Hollywood influence to sexually abuse them. More than 100 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct, and his convictions in California suggest he may spend the remainder of his life in prison. The actions of his accusers and his subsequent conviction have significantly impacted the #MeToo movement against sexual abuse by powerful figures.