Content warning: this article discusses rape and sexual assault
Harvey Weinstein is facing a new investigation over alleged “additional violent sexual assaults”, prosecutors in New York have said.
At a hearing in New York State criminal court earlier this week (July 8), prosecutor Nicole Blumberg said they’re looking for a new indictment, explaining that the alleged additional assaults were still within the statute of limitations to be charged as crimes.
The former movie producer was found guilty on February 24 2020 after being convicted of first-degree and third-degree rape, and was sentenced to 23 years in a New York state prison.
However, in April, The New York Court of Appeals overturned Weinstein’s 2020 conviction for rape, deeming that the judge at the trial gave improper rulings. Weinstein has denied having non-consensual encounters with anyone.
Speaking on Tuesday (July 9), Weinstein’s lawyer Arthur Aidala said it was unfair for prosecutors to seek to add additional victims to the case after the conviction had already been overturned.
He added: “Once again we have a hotline: ‘1-800 Get Harvey”.
Weinstein has remained in jail because he was also convicted in Los Angeles in 2022 of another rape. For this, Weinstein was sentenced to 16 years in prison – a verdict he is also appealing.
Back in April, Weinstein’s attorney shared that the 72-year-old was in poor health, telling reporters (as per Associated Press) that his client was admitted to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan.
Aidala began: “They examined him and sent him to Bellevue. It seems like he needs a lot of help, physically.”
“He’s got a lot of problems,” Aidala shared. “He’s getting all kinds of tests. He’s somewhat of a train wreck, health-wise.”
As reported by Associated Press (via Screen Daily), the Manhattan District Attorney’s office said: “We will do everything in our power to retry this case, and remain steadfast in our commitment to survivors of sexual assault.”
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.