Harvey Weinstein convicted of sexual assault in New York retrial

Harvey Weinstein, the once-powerful Hollywood producer, has been found guilty of sexual assault in a New York retrial, marking another legal defeat for the disgraced film mogul. The verdict comes after his 2020 conviction for sex crimes in New York was overturned last year.

A jury of seven women and five men deliberated for five days during the six-week trial before unanimously convicting Weinstein on one of three charges. He was found guilty of assaulting Miriam Haley, a former television production assistant, but acquitted of assaulting model Kaja Sokola. The jury has yet to decide on a rape charge involving actress Jessica Mann, with deliberations set to resume.

A pivotal moment for survivors

Weinstein's conviction is in addition to the 16-year sentence he faces for sex crimes in Los Angeles. During the trial, Haley expressed hope that the verdict represents progress in changing societal attitudes toward sexual violence, particularly the “myth of the perfect victim.”

The trial also featured Sokola's allegations, which were new to the retrial. She accused Weinstein of sexually assaulting her when she was 19. Though the jury found him not guilty in her case, Sokola said coming forward allowed her to reclaim her confidence and expose Weinstein’s actions.

The testimonies of Haley, Mann, and Sokola were central to the case. All three women alleged that Weinstein exploited his influence in the entertainment industry to abuse them during private meetings at hotels or homes.

Defense arguments and courtroom tensions

Weinstein’s legal team argued that the encounters were consensual, claiming they were part of “friends with benefits” arrangements. They presented messages exchanged between Weinstein and some of the women as evidence to undermine their credibility.

The retrial was marked by intense jury deliberations, with reports of heated disputes among jurors. Some accused others of bringing preconceived notions about Weinstein’s past into their decision-making. The trial judge reminded jurors to focus solely on the allegations presented in court.

Throughout the proceedings, Weinstein, 73, appeared frail, attending in a wheelchair and staying at Bellevue Hospital rather than Rikers Island jail due to his health issues, including cancer and diabetes.

A legacy of abuse and justice

Weinstein’s legal downfall has been monumental in exposing the widespread abuse of power in Hollywood. Over 100 women have accused him of sexual misconduct, assault, or rape. While not all cases resulted in criminal charges, his convictions in California and New York likely mean he will spend the rest of his life in prison.

Weinstein’s actions and subsequent trials were a catalyst for the #MeToo movement, empowering survivors of sexual violence to speak out against powerful figures. Before the allegations, Weinstein wielded immense influence as the co-founder of Miramax, a studio behind hits like Shakespeare in Love and Pulp Fiction.

In addition to his criminal convictions, Weinstein faced civil lawsuits, including a $19 million settlement in 2020 with women who accused him of harassment and abuse.

The retrial verdict reinforces the broader cultural reckoning with systemic abuse and underscores the resilience of survivors who brought Weinstein to justice.