Harvey Weinstein has been found guilty of sexual assault in New York, after a sex crimes conviction in the state was overturned last year. A panel of seven female and five male jurors deliberated for five days in the six-week trial before unanimously voting to convict the disgraced film mogul of one of three counts. The jury found him not guilty of an additional sexual assault charge, and have yet to return a verdict on a charge of rape. The conviction is in addition to a 16-year sentence that Weinstein has yet to serve after being convicted of sex crimes in Los Angeles. The trial was based on the testimony of three women - former television production assistant Miriam Haley, actress Jessica Mann, and model Kaja Sokola. All three accused Weinstein of using his power in the entertainment industry to sexually abuse them. On Wednesday, the jury found Weinstein guilty of assaulting Ms Haley, but found him not guilty of assaulting Ms Sokola. They have yet to return a verdict on Ms Mann, and plan to resume deliberations on the rape count on Thursday. An appeals court overturned Weinstein's previous conviction for sex crimes in New York last April, finding the 73-year-old did not receive a fair trial in 2020 because a judge allowed testimony from women who made allegations against him beyond the charges at hand. Weinstein was then indicted on new sexual assault charges in the state in September. In a statement, Weinstein's spokesperson said the trial was "fair until we got to the jury deliberations". "More than one juror had complained that other jurors had preconceived notions and are using their beliefs of Harvey's life as evidence of guilt," the spokesperson said. "We believe there are serious appellate issues and they will be explored." Jury deliberations have been plagued with tensions over the past week. On Monday, the foreperson accused other jurors of "attacking" other people and trying to change their minds. He said jurors were considering Weinstein's past and other allegations outside the realm of the case in making their decisions. The judge said he would give the jury an instruction about only considering the allegations in the case. Weinstein - who has cancer and diabetes - is in poor health and stayed at Bellevue Hospital rather than Riker's Island jail during the course of the trial. He sat in a wheelchair for the proceedings. The retrial in New York centred on two women who brought allegations against Weinstein for his 2020 trial, Ms Mann and Ms Haley. It also included new allegations from Ms Sokola, a Polish former model and actress, who accused Weinstein of sexually assaulting her when she was 19. The jury found him not guilty in the assault on Wednesday. The three women testified for days about the sexual abuse they alleged they endured at the hands of Weinstein. All three said they met Weinstein when they were young and looking for work opportunities in the entertainment industry. He then forced himself on them during private meetings at hotels and his homes, the women alleged. His legal team had argued that his sexual encounters with the women were all consensual and a sort of "friends with benefits" arrangement. Weinstein's attorneys attempted to chip away at the credibility of the women, showing warm messages some of the women exchanged with the film mogul after the alleged assaults. In total, Weinstein has been accused of sexual misconduct, assault and rape by more than 100 women. While not all reports resulted in criminal charges, the California conviction means he is likely to spend the rest of his life in prison. The decision by his accusers to come forward, and his subsequent conviction in New York, galvanised the #MeToo movement against sex abuse by powerful men. Before the allegations against him emerged, Weinstein and his brother Bob were among Hollywood's ultimate power players. Weinstein co-founded Miramax film studio, whose hits included Shakespeare in Love, which won best picture at the Academy Awards, and Pulp Fiction. Weinstein has also faced a number of civil lawsuits, including from a group of women who accused him of sexual harassment and rape. The case resulted in a $19m (£14.2) settlement in 2020. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via theBBC News App. You can also follow@BBCBreaking on Xto get the latest alerts.
Harvey Weinstein guilty of sexual assault after New York retrial
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Harvey Weinstein Convicted of Sexual Assault in New York Retrial"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Harvey Weinstein has been convicted of sexual assault in New York, marking a significant moment in his ongoing legal battles following the overturning of a prior conviction last year. A jury composed of seven women and five men deliberated for five days before reaching a unanimous decision on one of the three counts against him, specifically finding him guilty of assaulting former television production assistant Miriam Haley. The jury also ruled him not guilty of another charge involving Polish model Kaja Sokola, while deliberations on the charges related to actress Jessica Mann remain ongoing. This conviction adds to Weinstein's existing 16-year sentence from a separate case in Los Angeles, emphasizing the gravity of the multiple sexual assault allegations he faces, which total over 100 from various women across different instances. The trial featured testimonies from Haley, Mann, and Sokola, with all three women detailing how Weinstein exploited his industry power to sexually abuse them during private meetings. The jury's findings indicate a complex dynamic during deliberations, with tensions arising over jurors' perceptions of Weinstein's character and past allegations, which were deemed inappropriate by the presiding judge, who instructed the jury to focus solely on the case at hand.
The backdrop of this trial highlights the broader implications of Weinstein's actions and the #MeToo movement, which has empowered many women to come forward with their stories of abuse by powerful men in the entertainment industry. Weinstein's defense team attempted to undermine the credibility of the accusers by presenting evidence of consensual communications between Weinstein and the women, arguing that their encounters were consensual. Despite these defenses, the jury's guilty verdict reflects a growing societal intolerance for sexual misconduct. The trial also brings attention to Weinstein's deteriorating health, as he has been receiving treatment for cancer and diabetes and has appeared in court in a wheelchair. As the jury continues its deliberations, the outcome of the remaining charges could further shape the narrative of accountability in cases of sexual abuse and harassment in Hollywood and beyond.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent verdict against Harvey Weinstein in New York marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse around sexual assault, power dynamics in Hollywood, and the broader societal implications of such high-profile criminal cases. The case has drawn considerable media attention, and the details surrounding the trial and verdict are likely to shape public opinion on issues of sexual violence and accountability.
Public Sentiment and Perception
This article serves to reinforce the narrative of accountability for powerful figures in the entertainment industry. The outcome of the trial, with a guilty verdict on one count, signals a potential shift toward greater acceptance of victims' voices and the need for justice. The mention of the jury's composition and their deliberation process suggests a focus on fairness in the judicial system. However, the spokesperson's comments about juror biases indicate an ongoing debate about the influence of public perception on legal outcomes.
Potential Omissions
While the article focuses on the trial's outcome, it does not delve deeply into the long-term impacts on the victims or the broader movement against sexual harassment and assault. Additionally, there is a lack of discussion regarding Weinstein's previous conviction in Los Angeles and how this may influence public perception of his guilt or innocence in the New York case. The emphasis on the jury's deliberation may also overshadow the voices of the victims who bravely came forward to testify.
Manipulative Elements
The language used in the article could be seen as subtly manipulative, especially in how it frames the jury's decision-making process. By highlighting tensions and complaints among jurors, it raises questions about the integrity of the deliberation without providing a complete picture of the evidence presented. This could evoke sympathy for Weinstein among some readers who may feel the trial was unjust.
Comparative Context
In comparison to other similar cases, such as those involving high-profile figures in various industries, this case may reflect a broader cultural shift towards accountability. The juxtaposition of Weinstein's conviction against the backdrop of ongoing discussions regarding sexual misconduct highlights the urgency of addressing these issues across different sectors.
Social and Economic Implications
The verdict may have significant implications for both the entertainment industry and society at large. It could lead to increased scrutiny of powerful individuals, potentially affecting their careers and the industry's overall culture. Additionally, the public's response to such cases can influence policy changes regarding sexual assault laws and support for victims.
Target Audience
The article appears to resonate with individuals and communities advocating for survivors of sexual violence, feminist movements, and those seeking justice within the legal system. The narrative surrounding Weinstein's trial appeals to those who are critical of patriarchal structures and the abuse of power.
Market Impact
The outcome of this trial may have ripple effects on Hollywood and related markets, particularly in businesses associated with Weinstein or those that have faced similar allegations. Depending on public reaction, this could influence stock prices and market sentiment toward companies linked to figures accused of misconduct.
Geopolitical Relevance
While the trial itself is primarily a legal matter, it fits within a larger context of societal movements for justice and accountability. The case reflects ongoing global discussions about gender equality, power dynamics, and systemic changes needed to protect vulnerable populations.
The possibility exists that artificial intelligence tools were employed to assist in drafting or analyzing the article, particularly in structuring the content or generating summaries. However, the nuances of human emotion and societal impact are challenging for AI to fully capture, suggesting that a human touch is essential in conveying the complexities of such cases.
In conclusion, while the article provides essential updates on the trial and its verdict, it also reflects broader societal issues and the ongoing fight for justice in cases of sexual assault. The narrative constructed around the trial aims to evoke a response that aligns with contemporary movements seeking accountability and change.