Harvey Weinstein, the former film producer, has been found guilty of one key charge in his sex crimes retrial while being acquitted of another, with jurors still working on a verdict regarding a third count. This outcome offers a degree of validation for both his accusers and the prosecuting team, even as it provides a semblance of relief for Weinstein himself after his case faced significant uncertainty.
Five years ago, Weinstein’s initial conviction marked a significant downturn for one of Hollywood’s most influential figures and was seen as a pivotal moment in the #MeToo movement. However, this conviction was annulled last year, leading to a retrial at the same Manhattan courthouse.
In this latest trial, a jury, predominantly composed of women, ruled that Weinstein forcibly committed a criminal sex act in 2006. Conversely, he was acquitted of a separate criminal sex act charge also stemming from 2006. The jury is still deliberating on a further charge involving allegations of rape from 2013. Notably, the third-degree rape charge, under New York law, carries a less severe punishment than the first-degree criminal sex act for which he was convicted.
At the age of 73, Weinstein maintains his innocence regarding all accusations of sexual assault or rape.