Weinstein's Manhattan Rape Conviction Overturned
New York's Highest Court Cites Errors in Trial Process
Rikers Island Still Weinstein's First Stop Despite Appeal
In a major setback for prosecutors seeking to hold Harvey Weinstein accountable for his sexual crimes, the New York Court of Appeals overturned the former Hollywood producer's 2020 rape conviction on Thursday, June 30, 2023.
The state's highest court ruled that the trial judge, James Burke, had made several errors during the trial that prejudiced Weinstein's right to a fair trial. Among the errors cited by the court were Burke's decision to allow prosecutors to introduce evidence of uncharged crimes and his refusal to admit certain evidence offered by the defense.
The court's ruling does not mean that Weinstein is innocent of the charges against him. He was still convicted in a separate trial in Los Angeles last December on charges of rape and sexual assault. That conviction is still pending appeal.
As a result of the overturned conviction, Weinstein was released from prison on Thursday after posting $1 million bail. He is now required to wear an ankle monitor and surrender his passport.
Weinstein's attorney, Donna Rotunno, praised the court's ruling, saying it was a "victory for justice and the rule of law." Prosecutors, however, expressed disappointment with the decision, saying they believed the evidence against Weinstein was overwhelming.
The overturned conviction is a major blow to the #MeToo movement, which has seen a number of high-profile men accused of sexual misconduct in recent years. Weinstein was one of the first men to be convicted in the wake of the movement, and his overturned conviction could embolden other accused men to fight their charges.
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